Lewy Body Dementia: Information for Patients, Families, and Professionals
It’s important to know which type of LBD a person has, both to tailor treatment to particular symptoms and to understand how the disease will likely progress. Clinicians and researchers use the “1-year rule” to diagnose which form of LBD a person has. If cognitive symptoms appear within a year of movement problems, the diagnosis is dementia with Lewy bodies. If cognitive problems develop more than a year after the onset of movement problems, the diagnosis is Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Regardless of the initial symptoms, over time all people with LBD will develop similar symptoms due to the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain. But there are some differences. For example, dementia with Lewy bodies may progress more quickly than Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Dementia with Lewy bodies is often hard to diagnose because its early symptoms may resemble those of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. As a result, it is often misdiagnosed or missed altogether. As additional symptoms appear, it is often easier to make an accurate diagnosis.
The good news is that doctors are increasingly able to diagnose LBD earlier and more accurately as researchers identify which symptoms help distinguish it from similar disorders.
Difficult as it is, getting an accurate diagnosis of LBD early on is important so that a person:
- gets the right medical treatment and avoids potentially harmful treatment
- has time to plan medical care and arrange legal and financial affairs
- can build a support team to stay independent and maximize quality of life
While a diagnosis of LBD can be distressing, some people are relieved to know the reason for their troubling symptoms. It is important to allow time to adjust to the news. Talking about a diagnosis can help shift the focus toward developing a treatment plan.
Who Can Diagnose LBD?
Many physicians and other medical professionals are not familiar with LBD, so patients may consult several doctors before receiving a diagnosis. Visiting a family doctor is often the first step for people who are experiencing changes in thinking, movement, or behavior. However, neurologists—doctors who specialize in disorders of the brain and nervous system—generally have the expertise needed to diagnose LBD. Geriatric psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and geriatricians may also be skilled in diagnosing the condition.
If a specialist cannot be found in your community, ask the neurology department of the nearest medical school for a referral. A hospital affiliated with a medical school may also have a dementia or movement disorders clinic that provides expert evaluation. See the Resources section.
What’s going on?
Janet, a 60-year-old executive secretary, began having trouble managing the accounting, paperwork, and other responsibilities of her job. She became increasingly irritable, and her daughter insisted she see a doctor. Janet was diagnosed with depression and stress-related problems. She was prescribed an antidepressant, but her thinking and concentration problems worsened. When she could no longer function at work, her doctor diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. A few months later, Janet developed a tremor in her right hand. She was referred to a neurologist, who finally diagnosed Lewy body dementia.
Tests Used to Diagnose LBD
Doctors perform physical and neurological examinations and various tests to distinguish LBD from other illnesses. A thorough evaluation includes:
- Medical history and examination—A review of previous and current illnesses, medications, and current symptoms and tests of movement and memory give the doctor valuable information.
- Medical tests—Laboratory studies can help rule out other diseases and hormonal or vitamin deficiencies that can cause dementia.
- Brain imaging—Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can detect brain shrinkage or structural abnormalities and help rule out other possible causes of dementia or movement symptoms. A single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan can help support a diagnosis