Diagnosing LBD #lewybody

While there have been some reports that PET scans are helpful in diagnosing LBD, absolute certainty can only be achieved upon examination of the brain after death. Still, LBD has some very distinctive patterns which can lead a clinician to a probable diagnosis. In my own mother's case, the combination of a thorough and accurate history, plus her responses to neuroleptic drugs, plus a PET scan led to a "probable diagnosis" of LBD. After my own research and involvement with support groups, I am confident that this is indeed an accurate diagnosis. Her signs and behaviors and symptoms are standard stuff.

Still, clinicians are often loathe to make a diagnosis without irrefutable evidence. A radiograph will show a broken bone - there can be no mistake. There isn't any such diagnostic tool for LBD however. In many cases it is the significant others to the victim who dig out the cause of their loved one's symptoms, and bring it to the attention of the physician. This is yet another reason it is imperative to be attentive when seeking a diagnosis for a loved one with signs of dementia.

Here are some more resources to help both family and physician in recognizing LBD.

The Lewynet Website
Dementia With Lewy Bodies: Differential Diagnoses & Workup at eMedicine.
The LBDA website
The Mayo Clinic
The LBDAtv channel on YouTube