Dementia with Lewy bodies
Background
- Neurodegenerative disorder (dementia)
- More rapid progression than Alzheimer's or Parkinson's
Clinical Features
- fluctuating cognition
- recurrent visual hallucinations
- Parkinsonian motor symptoms (cogwheel rigidity, shuffling gait, retropulsion)
- REM-sleep disturbance
- Neuroleptic sensitivity, increased risk for neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Acute worsening of cognition or delirium, with antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, surgical anesthetics
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
Management
- Avoid neuroleptics and anticholinergics
- Supportive care, symptom management