Diagnostic criteria for dementia with lewy bodies reconsidered

The validity of the consensus criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) has been questioned. The authors, therefore, performed analyses of 242 published cases with clinicopathological correlation of DLB. The prevalence of specific consensus criteria in 69 patients reported on by the Newcastle and Nottingham groups in England (Group N) were compared with their prevalence in papers from all other investigators (Group O). Analysis of the entire sample (Groups N and O combined) revealed 64% with parkinsonism, 66% with co-occurring parkinsonism and dementia, 39% with visual hallucinations (VH), and 30% with cognitive fluctuations (CF). Group N had significantly more CF and co-occurring parkinsonism and dementia. Dopaminergic drugs were associated with the presence of VH. Although selection factors may have contributed to investigator differences, parkinsonism and co-occurrence with dementia appear to be the most consistent diagnostic criteria for DLB.