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See the 10 questions used to diagnose Lewy body dementia

This is part of an occasional series of stories on Lewy body dementia, other dementias, and end of life issues, by a long-time writer who happens to  have LBD.

The chart is a 10-question check-up list to help doctors use symptoms and circumstances to more accurately diagnose the disease.. There is no known cause and no cure for this disease which shortens lifespans.

Here it is.

The Lewy Body Composite Risk Score

Rate the following symptoms as being present or absent for at least three times over the past six months. Does the patient: Yes No
1) Have slowness in initiating and maintaining movement or have frequent hesitations or pauses during movement?
2) Have rigidity (with or without cogwheeling) on passive range of motion in any of the four extremities?
3) Have a loss of postural stability with or without frequent falls?
4) Have a tremor at rest in any of the four extremities or head?
(5) Have excessive daytime sleepiness and/or seem drowsy and lethargic when awake?
6) Have episodes of illogical thinking or incoherent, random thoughts?
7) Have frequent staring spells or periods of blank looks?
8)Appear to act out his/her dreams (kick, punch, thrash, shout or scream) while still asleep?

9) Visual hallucinations (see things not really there)?

(10) Have orthostatic hypotension or other signs of autonomic insufficiency

 

© Copyright 2013 The Lewy Body Composite Risk Score James E. Galvin and New York University Langone Medical Center

NOTE from LBDA: Scores were significantly different in DLB patients compared to controls and those with Alzheimer’s. The Composite Risk Score discriminated between individuals likely to have underlying Lewy body disease from those who did not. Using a cut-off of 3, the Lewy Body Composite Risk Score had a sensitivity of 90%, meaning it identified 90% of those diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.

Follow Mike Oliver on AL.com and www.myvinylcountdown.com

See also: It’s not like we are forgetting Alzheimer Disease

 

 

 

 

3 Replies to “See the 10 questions used to diagnose Lewy body dementia”

  1. I’ve had occasional mild symptoms of 1,3,8,and 10, but absolutely none of the other symptoms.. My GP is aware of this and my family history. We’re all keeping on top of things so far.Thanks so much for sharing.

  2. Thanks for this. I only had one out of the ten. Several years ago I had a CT of my brain due to migraines and a doctor said I had “spots” that meant the starting of dementia. That diagnosis has haunted me every time I forget something or do dumb things etc. If you ever felt so inclined i would like to hear the story of your first beginning symptoms that sent you to the doctor. If you have explained it before please send me a link as I’ve only been following you for a short time. Keep on keeping on. You are in my prayers. Kathy

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