Motor Symptoms in Dementia With Lewy Bodies: Literature Review and Evidence-Based Management

Abstract

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a neurodegenerative disorder typified by symptoms in cognitive, behavioral, and motor domains. Management of these manifestations involves a delicate balance between targeting relief in some symptoms while avoiding exacerbations in others. This is often clinically challenging as the tradeoffs are intrinsic to the pathophysiologic processes for which we lack approved targeted interventions. Even for motor symptoms, the application of therapeutic strategies used in Parkinson's disease to DLB is fraught with nuance. This review delves into the distinguishing characteristics of motor symptoms in DLB, the nature of the tradeoffs vis-à-vis management of cognitive and behavioral manifestations, and the current evidence supporting available treatments. It concludes by surveying disease-modifying pharmacotherapies on the horizon and providing practical management considerations. [ Psychiatr Ann. 2022;52(10):415–422.]