Are there tests to confirm the doctor's diagnosis of dementia with lewy bodies?

Dementia: Unfortunately, the only definitive test for dementia with lewy bodies (dlb) is to obtain brain tissue. Thus, most confirmations come following autopsy. Imaging studies, such as mri's, fmri's, and pet scans can provide helpful information to support the diagnosis, but at this time dlb remains primarily a diagnosis based upon clinical findings.

PET scan: At this point no affordable test per se. Slowly advancing memory problems, and parkinson symptoms are common. Intermittent psychosis, paranoia and delirium occur as distinguishing symptoms different from what is more typically seen in alzheimer's disease. A vacuous anxiety state has also been described. Pet would show reduced activity in posterior parietal region. Lewy body inclusions on pathology.

Not practical: The only way to confirm that diagnosis is by examining a piece of brain tissue. Hence the diagnosis is confirmed only after death.

Not practical.: The diagnosis can only be confirmed by examining a piece of brain tissue. Hence, the diagnosis is only confirmed after death.

NO + Brief Details: No, clinical diagnosis only: physical parkinsonism that is milder than parkinson's disease typically (slow movements, stiff/rigid muscles & posture, possibly resting tremor). But with early dementia, often with associated psychosis (visual hallucinations, delusional thoughts), excessive sleepiness, depression/anxiety/apathy, & rbd. Rbd = rem behavior d/o, causing acting-out of dreams in rem sleep.

BUT, Rx available!!!: Dopamine meds for physical parkinsonism: Azilect (mao-b selective inhibitor) & sinemet +/- Comtan (stalevo (carbidopa and levodopa and entacapone) is both together). Tailor rx watching for side effects. Avoid Dopamine agonists (requip xl/mirapex er/neupro)--too side effect prone for lewy body patients. For dementia: namenda, paired with Exelon patch or aricept. For psychosis: seroquel or even clozaril. For excess sleepiness: nuvigil.