Qualitative performance characteristics differentiate dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease

A ccurate and early clinical diagno sis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is essential for optimal management so that pitfalls such as severe neuroleptic sensitivity1 can be avoided, a trial of cholinesterase treatment can be instigated,2 and parkinsonian symptoms3 can be appropriately treated, weighing up the balance of psychiatric and motor symptoms and fall risk. In practice it has often been difficult to differentiate DLB from other forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Several previous studies have suggested that DLB and Alzheimer's disease can be differentiated on the basis of visual and visuospatial …