Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), a syndrome characterized by a fluctuating course, visual hallucinations, Parkinsonian features and hypersensitivity to antipsychotics, has been of growing interest in recent years. Since 1995 there are clinical and neuropathological criteria which allow diagnosing DLB from its onset. The combination of cholinergic and dopaminergic deficits requires careful cholinergic and dopaminergic treatment. Excessive dopamine (L-dopa), antidopaminergic (antipsychotics) or anticholinergic therapy (anti-Parkinsonian or antipsychotic medications) may further complicate this condition, and worsen extrapyramidal, psychotic and cognitive symptoms.
Dementia, Lewy body; Drug hypersensitivity; Antipsychotic agents; Diagnosis; Therapeutics
