To study the profile of clinically probable dementia with lewy bodies as per clinical consensus criteria and their clinical response to cholineesterase inhibitors

Dr. Vivek Aggarwal; Dr I V Nagesh

Volume : VII, Issue : I, January - 2017

To study the profile of clinically probable dementia with lewy bodies as per clinical consensus criteria and their clinical response to cholineesterase inhibitors

Dr. Vivek Aggarwal, Dr I V Nagesh

Abstract :

With the increase in life expectancy there is increase in the patients with dementia with lewy bodies (DLB). DLB is a distinct form of dementia with spontanous parkinsons, fluctuation sensorium and visual hallucinations. It is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late leading to increased morbidity and caregiver stress. With proper history and detailed examination DLB can be suspected and diagnosed early. In our study total 19 patients were diagnosed as probable DLB clinically based on the consensus criteria and were administered cholineesterase inhibitors. There was a lag period of 3.1 years from the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis in our study. With cholineesterase inhibitors, there was improvement in cognition and reduction in caregiver stress as assessed by Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE) and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) at 12 weeks. There was total 5.37 points gain in the HMSE (15.81 to 21.18) and 9.91 points reduction in the caregiver stress (63.18 to 53.27) as assessed by Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Thus it is important to be aware of this disorder and diagnose it clinically early. Early diagnosis of DLB and prompt treatment with cholineesterase inhibitors can cause substantial improvement in cognition and reduction in caregiver stress.