Differences and similarities in the neuropsychological profile of dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease in the early stage.

The literature concerning the neuropsychological profile of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) reports contrasting data even though a main impairment in attentional and visuospatial processes is mostly pointed out. In the present study, two selected groups, one of 12 DLB and the other of 12 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, both in the early stage of the disease, were matched for age, education and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and three scales to evaluate fluctuating cognition were administered. Significant differences were found between the two groups on attentional domain, memory, constructional and visuoperceptual abilities and fluctuation scales.