Common Questions About Lewy Body Dementia Answered By Harvard Health Publishing.
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How is lewy body dementia diagnosed?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
A diagnosis of Lewy body dementia can be confirmed only through autopsy. Clinicians diagnose the condition on the basis of symptoms characteristic of Lewy body dementia, including visual hallucinations, fluctuating levels of alertness during the day, and movement disorders reminiscent of Parkinson's, such as stiffness, shuffling gait, balance problems that cause falls, and lack of facial expression. In addition, patients with Lewy body dementia may have symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's, such as memory problems, confusion, and other cognitive impairments.
Does Lewy Body Dementia affect the eyes?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Lewy body dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the brain. It does not affect the eyes directly. However, visual hallucinations that originate in the brain are a common symptom. Also, the condition may cause the brain to misinterpret what the eyes see.
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