Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a leading cause of dementia, yet it remains frequently underdiagnosed, resulting in delays in recognition, inappropriate management, and significant distress for both patients and caregivers. The clinical and neuropathological overlap with Parkinson’s disease presents additional diagnostic challenges, complicating early and accurate identification.
This presentation will examine the spectrum of Lewy body dementias, outlining advancements in diagnostic criteria, emerging clinical and biomarker tools, and the evolving concept of prodromal DLB. Key imaging and fluid biomarkers will be reviewed, including those already utilised in clinical practice and novel assays under investigation, with particular emphasis on a highly specific alpha-synuclein assay. The role of DLB comorbidities, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular pathology, will also be discussed in relation to their impact on diagnosis and treatment.
Given the limited availability of disease-modifying treatments, the management of DLB remains challenging. This session will explore current and emerging therapeutic strategies, addressing cognitive, neuropsychiatric, motor, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials and future directions in DLB research will be highlighted.