Dementia with Lewy bodies

Monitoring should be tailored to the individual patient, specific features of disease, and severity. This will guide the need for pharmacologic and other interventions. Starting pharmacologic treatment requires more frequent medical consultation, especially in the early stages of the disease when titrating to effectiveness and monitoring adverse effects. Caregivers may wish to have telephone or video consultations rather than bring the patient to the clinic every time advice is needed. When a cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine is started, monitoring should take place at 3- to 6-month intervals depending on clinical response. If antipsychotic use is deemed essential for managing psychotic symptoms, close monitoring is vital for minimizing sensitivity reactions and other adverse effects.

There are no blood tests or imaging modalities that have a routine role in monitoring DLB.