Lewy Body Dementia Research Paper

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is an umbrella term for two different diagnoses. It is a combination of both Parkinson’s Disease Dementia and Dementia with Lewy Bodys (1). Pathologically it is defined by the presence of alpha synuclein containing Lewy bodies in the brain, however their distribution differs from that in Parkinson’s Disease, affecting the limbic system and brainstem, in contrast to the nigrostriatal and brainstem predominant pattern seen in early Parkinson’s Disease (AA).
Clinically, the main symptoms of LBD are prominent visual hallucinations/disturbances, bradykinesia and parkinsonism rigidity however patients minimally have tremor (AA). Marked cognitive fluctuations are a common feature of patients with LBD with acute confusion episodes and incoherent speech which can revert itself within hours (AA)There is no associated family history or hereditary nature to the disease.
It is thought that LBD accounts for approximately 15% of patients diagnosed with dementia (2). In an Irish context, n 2009 it was estimated that 44,000 people were diagnosed with dementia, which is expected to rise to rise to 104,000 by 2036 (3)(4).

Most patients with dementia present to their general practitioner (GP). There may be a number of symptoms (Table 1) which may lead the healthcare professional to consider a diagnosis of dementia.
(6). Diagnosis should include, but not limited to, a complete history from the patient and/or carer, cognitive assessment, assessment of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), physical exam-including a basic dementia exam consisting of routine haematology, biochemistry tests, B12 levels, thyroid function tests, and folate levels. A review of the patient’s medication should also be conducted in order to ensure no adverse effects on cognitive function from current medication (REFERENCES