Epidemiology

There are inconsistent findings with respect to the prevalence of DLB. Much depends on case ascertainment methods, which have changed over time, and the orientation and awareness of clinicians making the diagnoses with respect to DLB.

It is estimated that 57.4 million people were living with dementia globally in 2019.[5] The prevalence of DLB is probably around 10% to 15% of all cases of dementia.[6] DLB may be more likely to present as a nonamnestic form of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while amnestic MCI is more likely in Alzheimer disease (AD).[2][7] DLB is probably overrepresented in clinics that have a particular interest in neuropsychiatric disorders (due to psychosis being an indication for such referral). Mixed dementia pathology is common, with up to 50% of patients with AD having unsuspected Lewy-related pathology at autopsy.[1] The most recent consensus is that the 1-year rule in terms of cognitive symptoms preceding motor dysfunction is useful in distinguishing DLB from Parkinson disease-related neurocognitive disorder.[1]

Incidence of DLB is approximately 0.1% per year for the general population. There is some evidence that prevalence is positively correlated with increasing age.[8] Literature on other specific risk factors is limited. There is no consensus on whether there are any sex differences in prevalence; studies have reported both male and female preponderance.[9][10] There are not thought to be significant ethnic or geographic differences in prevalence.[8] 

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