Dementia - Lewy Body Dementia

Question 1

Pathophysiology of Lewy Body Dementia.

Answer 1

Alpha-Synucelin Cytoplasmic Inclusions = Lewy Bodies in the Substantia Nigra, Paralimbic and Neocortical Areas.

Question 2

Clinical Features of Lewy Body Dementia.

Answer 2

1. Progressive Cognitive Impairment.
2. Parkinsonism.
3. Visual Hallucinations (or Delusions).

Question 3

Nature of Cognitive Impairment in Lewy Body Dementia (3).

Answer 3

1. Early Impairments in Attention and Executive Function too with Memory Loss.
2. Fluctuating Cognition (unlike other forms of Dementia).
3. Cognitive Impairment develops before Parkinsonism.

Question 4

Diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia (2).

Answer 4

1. Clinical.
2. SPECT Scans can be used.

Question 5

Pharmacological Management of Lewy Body Dementia.

Answer 5

As in Alzheimer’s Disease : Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine.