Table 2.
Clinical characteristics of patients with VHF-DLB at the time of entry into the study
| Clinical characteristics | Frequency (%) at investigation (N =30) | Frequency (%) at follow-up (N =30) |
|---|---|---|
| Core features | ||
| Parkinsonism | 26 (86.7) | 30 (100%)a |
| Rigidity | 24 (80.0) | - |
| Gait disturbance | 21 (70.0) | - |
| Bradykinesia | 20 (66.7) | - |
| Tremor | 17 (56.7) | - |
| Postural instability | 15 (50.0) | - |
| Hypomimia | 15 (50.0) | - |
| Fluctuating cognition | 18 (60.0) | 18 (60.0) |
| Visual hallucinations | 0 (0) | 0 (0) |
| Supportive features | ||
| REM sleep behaviour disorder | 7 (23.3) | 7 (23.3) |
| Neuroleptic sensitivity | 3 (10.0) | 3 (10.0)b |
| Suggestive features | ||
| Depressive symptoms | 14 (46.7) | 14 (46.7) |
| Systematised delusions | 7 (23.3) | 7 (23.3) |
| Orthostatic hypotension | 5 (16.7) | 5 (16.7) |
| Non-visual hallucinations | 5 (16.7) | 5 (16.7) |
| Syncope | 1 (3.3) | 1 (3.3) |
aAll patients developed parkinsonism within one year of investigation; bneuroleptic use avoided given DLB diagnosis. Only three patients were exposed to an antipsychotic and all had sensitivity. N, number; REM, rapid eye movement; VHF-DLB, visual hallucination-free dementia with Lewy bodies.