Progressive Symptoms of Dementia with Lewy Body Commonly Misdiagnosed

Authors

Kathryn Olson, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

Advisor

Dr. Nancy Reid

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to educate clinicians about the neurodegenerative disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), commonly misdiagnosed, causing increasing healthcare costs, and heightened patient frustrations.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted using the following search terms: Dementia with Lewy bodies, Lewy body dementia, Lewy body disease, misdiagnosis of Lewy body disease, Parkinson’s disease versus Lewy body disease, and caregiver concerns regarding DLB. Eighteen relevant information sources were gathered to serve as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: There is currently no cure for DLB. In-depth research is necessary to discover a cure and focus on long-term management.

Conclusion: Provider education is necessary to make an accurate and timely diagnosis of DLB and to prevent costly workup, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, medication errors, and unnecessary referrals to multiple specialists.

Keywords: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), alpha-synuclein protein, Parkinson’s disease, pimavanserin (Nuplazid), Capgras Syndrome.

Recommended Citation

Olson K. Progressive Symptoms of Dementia with Lewy Body Commonly Misdiagnosed. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(1).