FACT: Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the most misdiagnosed form of dementia.
FACT: LBD is the second most common cause of progressive dementia behind Alzheimer’s disease.
FACT: LBD affects approximately 1.4 million Americans, most often after the age of 50.
FACT: LBD is NOT usually hereditary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewy body dementia
How Is LBD Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose LBD based on the patient’s history, physical examination, and often blood tests or brain scans. These tests help to exclude other causes of dementia, movement disorders, or behavioral problems. There are no medical tests that can diagnose LBD with absolute certainty during life. When a doctor suspects a person has LBD based on their symptoms, they are diagnosed with “probable LBD.” The only way to be certain of a diagnosis is with a brain autopsy after death.
What Type of Doctor Should I Visit?
Primary care practitioners should be told about any cognitive, emotional, movement, or other physical changes. If LBD is suspected, a referral to a neurologist is recommended. Neurologists have the specialized knowledge required to diagnose specific types of dementia and movement disorders. Psychiatrists, including geriatric psychiatrists, are also qualified to diagnose LBD.
Some neurologists have advanced or specialty training in the care of people with dementia and/or parkinsonian movement disorders. Neuropsychologists also play an important role in LBD diagnosis by testing memory and cognitive functions. Geriatricians, who specialize in treating older adults, are also usually familiar with the different forms of dementia.
A diagnosis by specialists who are familiar with LBD may be accurate up to 90% of the time.
Is There a Cure for LBD?
Currently, there is no cure for LBD, though medications are used to reduce symptoms. Research is continuing so that better medications can be developed and a cure can be found.
What Causes LBD?
The causes of LBD are not yet well understood, but research is ongoing in this area. There are probably multiple factors involved, including genetic and environmental risk factors that combine with natural aging processes to make a person susceptible to LBD.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of LBD?
Symptoms of LBD include hallucinations, trouble with planning and processing information, problems with visual and spatial abilities, and fluctuations in attention or alertness. Other symptoms include Parkinson’s-like symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, slowness, and difficulty walking, as well as changes in sleep and behavior.
For more information about LBD, including support groups and other sources of help, see the Lewy Body Dementia Association’s brochure Is It Lewy?
