What it is
People with DLB can be very sensitive to some medicines used for hallucinations or agitation (antipsychotics), which can make them seriously unwell, so these must be used with great care.
There is no cure, but some dementia and Parkinson's medicines can help symptoms, along with therapy and support.
Common signs
- Problems with attention, planning and thinking
- Alertness that changes a lot from hour to hour or day to day
- Seeing things that are not there
- Slow movement, stiffness and tremor
- Acting out dreams during sleep
- Falls and fainting
How it is usually diagnosed
- Assessment at a memory clinic or by a neurologist
- Memory and thinking tests
- Brain scans, including a DaTscan in some cases
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Memory clinic letters
- Scan reports
- An alert card or note about antipsychotic sensitivity
- A list of medicines
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which medicines should be avoided?
- What can help with hallucinations and sleep problems?
- What support is available for carers?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden severe confusion, stiffness, fever or drowsiness, especially after a new medicine: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.