Fact 13. DLB Diagnosis: A Multifaceted Approach
Diagnosing DLB is a complex process that involves clinical assessment, cognitive testing, and imaging studies. It is a “clinical diagnosis,” meaning it is primarily based on the patient’s symptoms and examination findings.
The cornerstone of the diagnostic process is a detailed clinical history and physical examination. The clinician will inquire about the key symptoms of DLB, such as cognitive fluctuations, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonism. Other symptoms like REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and autonomic dysfunction will also be evaluated.
Cognitive testing, using tools like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), is used to assess the nature and extent of cognitive impairment. In DLB, the cognitive profile is typically characterized by impairments in attention, executive function, and visuospatial abilities. (13)
