Table 1.

Central feature (essential for a diagnosis of possible or probable DLB)

• Dementia defined as progressive cognitive decline of sufficient magnitude to interfere with normal social or occupational function

• Prominent or persistent memory impairment may not necessarily occur in the early stages but is usually evident with progression.

• Deficits on tests of attention, executive function and visuospatial ability may be especially prominent.

Core features (2 core features are sufficient for a diagnosis of probable DLB, 1 for possible DLB.

• Fluctuating cognition with pronounced variation in attention and alertness.

• Recurrent visual hallucinations that are typically well formed and detailed.

• Spontaneous features of parkinsonism

Suggestive features (if 1 or more of these is present in the presence of one or more core features, a diagnosis of probable DLB can be made. In the absence of any core features, one or more suggestive features is sufficient for possible DLB. Probable DLB should not be diagnosed on the basis of suggested features alone.)

• REM sleep behavior disorder

• Severe neuroleptic sensitivity

• Low dopamine transporter uptake in the basal ganglia demonstrated by SPECT or PET imaging