This article reviews the nature and prevalence of Lewy bodies (LBs) found during postmortem examination of demented individuals. Neuropathologic findings associated with diffuse Lewy body disease (DLBD) are contrasted with those of other causes of dementia (e.g., Pick's disease and Alzheimer's disease). A sufficiently specific clinical syndrome is suggested to enhance the antemortem diagnosis of DLBD. Current and speculative clinical management strategies of DLBD are discussed.
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