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NEUROLOGY SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

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How Is Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

There is no specific test to diagnose LBD. Diagnosis of LBD involves ruling out other types of dementia and conditions with similar symptoms. To diagnose LBD, a doctor may order the following:

  • Physical examination. To rule out other diseases, the doctor will look for signs of Parkinson’s disease, strokes, brain tumors, or other medical conditions affecting the brain and physical function.
    • Physical examination and medical history review will be done to assess symptoms and personal and family history.
    • Blood tests can detect and rule out other conditions that affect brain function, such as thyroid problems.
    • Neurological examination tests may be done to assess reflexes, muscle tone, balance, eye movements, and sense of touch.
  • Cognitive and psychological tests. Doctors will evaluate the patient’s thinking ability, memory, language skills, orientation, reasoning, and attention.
  • Brain scans. These allow doctors to get a detailed view of the brain.
    • CT or MRI scans can detect stroke, bleeding, and brain tumors, which may rule out other types of dementia.
    • PET scans (positron emission tomography scans) are not routinely used to confirm Alzheimer’s disease and LBD diagnoses but may be recommended by a doctor to support a diagnosis.
    • DatSCANs (dopamine transporter scans) are often performed to see if there is an underlying dopamine deficiency in cases of LBD with no or mild parkinsonism.

How Is Lewy Body Dementia Treated?

Treatment

There is no cure for Lewy body dementia, but some symptoms can improve with medication and other treatments.

Medications

No medication is FDA-approved for LBD specifically. However, some medications can help in managing symptoms:

  • Parkinson’s disease medications can help reduce Parkinsonian symptoms, including rigid muscles and slow movement, but can increase symptoms of confusion, hallucinations, and delusions.
  • Other medications can be used to treat sleeping or movement symptoms related to LBD. People should avoid taking typical antipsychotic medications if LBD is suspected.
Therapies

In the early stage of LBD, nondrug approaches, such as supportive care, physical exercise programs, and appropriate social activities, may help with symptom management. These may include:

  • Counseling. Patients and their families should be counseled about the disease and its progression, and encouraged to seek social service consultations and register with relevant support groups and societies.
  • Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can work with people with LBD to identify difficulties and help with day-to-day activities. For example, a therapist may recommend ways to arrange the home that make it easier to perform certain tasks.
  • Physical therapy. A physical therapist can help improve balance, shuffling gait (walking), and Parkinsonian features of LBD.
  • Other therapies and engaging in activities that bring joy. This can reduce depression and agitation. Such activities may include:
    • Music therapy
    • Art therapy
    • Pet therapy
    • Massage therapy
    • Exercise and yoga
  • Clinical trials for new LBD treatments may also be available. Ask your doctor if one may be right for you.

FAQs

FAQs

In the early stage of LBD, people may experience stiffness and difficulty moving their body. They may also notice mood changes.

Scientists have found evidence that genetics may play a role in LBD and that some cases may be inherited, but more research is needed.

People with LBD often die of frailty. This is caused by weight loss due to decreased appetite, difficulty swallowing, dehydration, and inactivity. Some people die of pneumonia, complications from falling, and other medical conditions.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Lewy Body Dementia Treatment

The team at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital provides comprehensive and understanding care for patients with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other types of dementia. Learn about the neurological services provided by NewYork-Presbyterian, and contact us to make an appointment or learn more about common Lewy body dementia symptoms.