| Abstract: | There has been considerable debate as to whether dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) represents a distinct diagnosis or lies on a spectrum with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). The objective of this review was to identify whether conceptualising these dementias as distinct diagnostic entities is meaningful, or indeed possible. A literature review was conducted using the databases MEDLINE and PSYCHINFO. DLB and PDD share many clinical features including the pattern of cognitive deficits and Lewy‐body pathology. However, they may be usefully distinguished by their clinical course and differential response to treatment. Some patients with DLB have a rapidly progressive dementia and may be particularly sensitive to neuroleptic medication, resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. |
