Lewy body dementia is characterized by which symptoms?

• A. Visual hallucinations, momentary loss of attention, falling, fainting
• B. Prominent memory loss with early language deficits
• C. Early focal weakness
• D. Chronic seizures

Answer: (A)

Lewy body dementia is defined by fluctuations in cognition, visual hallucinations, and parkinsonian features. The hallmark symptoms include episodes of altered attention and alertness that wax and wane, along with clear, well-formed visual hallucinations. Parkinsonian signs such as slowed movement and gait instability contribute to a high risk of falls. Visual hallucinations are particularly characteristic and often appear early in the disease.

This combination fits best because memory loss is not the primary early feature in Lewy body dementia—as it is in Alzheimer's disease—while early focal weakness points to stroke or another focal process, and chronic seizures are not typical of Lewy body dementia.