Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Lewy body disease is characterized by:

Fluctuations in alertness and attention
- Frequent drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Staring into space
- Disorganized speech
- Insomnia
Recurrent visual hallucinations
Poor regulation of body temperature and blood pressure
Obsessive compulsive behaviors
Forgetfulness
Parkinsonian motor symptoms
- Rigidity
- Loss of spontaneous movement
REM behavior disorder

Diagnosis

The only way to diagnose Lewy body disease conclusively is through an autopsy . But, a doctor can do tests to narrow the cause of dementia. You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. The doctor will do a physical exam as well as other tests, such as:

Memory, language, and other tests
Neoropsychological tests
Patient and family interviews
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
Blood tests

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.