DLB (Dementia with Lewy bodies) is the second most common form of dementia following Alzheimer's. (This information comes from Mayo Clinic literature.) Men are more likely than women to be affected by DLB. Age of onset is usually between 50 and 70, but can range from 20 to 90.
Very distinct fluctuations in the person's attention and alertness distinguishes DLB from other forms of dementia. The person may be able to handle daily activities fairly well and then become confused for minutes, hours or days. The person can go from being able to carry on a conversation to being drowsy, inattentive and unable to speak.
Beginning stages of DLB demonstrate inattention, indecisiveness, impaired judgment and mild forgetfulness. The parkinsonism usually appears later with slow movement, rigid arms and legs and shuffling walk.
As DLB progresses, many symptoms become more severe with fewer periods of clarity and difficulty walking.
DLB differs from Alzheimer's in that it usually does not demonstrate the significant forgetfulness associated with Alzheimer's -- that of people not knowing who they or other people are.
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