PW01-89 - Symtoms Of Dementia With Lewy Bodies Cluster In Persons With Mild Dementia

Abstract

Objectives

To explore the inter-relationship between the core and suggestive symptoms of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and the cognitive profiles in persons with newly diagnosed mild dementia.

Method

139 persons with mild dementia were recruited from dementia clinics in Western Norway. Symptoms were rated using standardized instruments. A two-step cluster analysis was applied to classify persons into groups according to scores on scales for hallucinations, parkinsonism, fluctuations and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD).

Results

Four distinct clusters were revealed: A “Lewy Body Dementia” (LBD) cluster with high scores for both hallucinations, parkinsonism and fluctuation, and a “non-LBD” cluster with low scores on all DLB symptom scales were identified. In addition, two clusters with high scores on either RBD or cognitive fluctuation scales emerged. Persons in the LBD cluster had lower scores for visuospatial cognitive abilities as compared to the non-LBD group.(p=.002)

Conclusion

With a cluster analysis we provide empirical support for the existence of a distinct subgroup in mild dementia with high scores on scales for hallucinations, parkinsonism and cognitive fluctuations and a distinct cognitive profile, i.e. supporting the clinical diagnosis DLB.