DLB
Medical abbreviation · Neurology
| Stands for | Dementia with Lewy bodies |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
DLB stands for Dementia with Lewy bodies, a neurology abbreviation.
Dementia caused by alpha-synuclein (Lewy body) deposits in the cortex, characterized by fluctuating attention, detailed visual hallucinations, parkinsonism and REM sleep behavior disorder. Cognitive symptoms appear before or within a year of motor symptoms.
Example: Fluctuating alertness, vivid visual hallucinations of children in the room and mild parkinsonism: probable DLB.
Usage notes
Diagnosis follows the 2017 consensus criteria of McKeith and colleagues. Patients are highly sensitive to antipsychotic medicines, which can cause severe rigidity, confusion or death, so these drugs are avoided. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as rivastigmine often help cognition and hallucinations. Actor Robin Williams was found at autopsy to have diffuse Lewy body disease.
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.