Lewy Body Dementia
Diagnosis

Lewy body dementia is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other conditions. An extensive neurological and neuropsychological evaluation will be conducted, including brain imaging in an effort to identify degeneration of the brain.

As with many dementias, a definitive diagnosis can only be made with an autopsy when Lewy bodies in brain tissue can be seen.

In addition to the most common symptoms, patients with Lewy body dementia may experience the following:

• Difficult sleeping or physically active during sleep
• Fainting and periodic loss of consciousness
• High sensitivity to drugs used treat hallucinations
• Repeated falls