Prognosis in dementia with Lewy bodies (P-DLB)

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common form of dementia. Typical symptoms are visual hallucinations, signs of Parkinson’s disease and sleep disturbances. Its underlying disease mechanism differs from Alzheimer’s disease. Yet little is known about how DLB progresses, particularly how its progression is different from other forms of dementia. Preliminary research has shown that DLB is associated with a lower quality of life, higher costs, higher caregiver burden, and earlier nursing home admission. Studies of memory loss and survival point towards worse prognosis in DLB and but results have been inconsistent. This project aims to examine prognosis and long-term outcomes in DLB compared to AD, and how these are influenced by mental and physical health, and social, psychological and pharmacological interventions. This will ultimately help patients and their relatives plan for the future, and aid design of health services.