Abstract
The present review aimed to examine sensitivity and specificity across neuropsychological tests for Dementia with Lewy Body (DLB), to enhance diagnostic utility. A systematic search of the literature was conducted. Databases used: PsycInfo, Discovery Service for Carlos Albizu University-Miami, PsycARTICLES. Data selection criteria entailed articles from 2010–2020. Search terms included: Dementia with Lewy body, sensitivity, specificity, neuropsychological assessment, neuropsychological testing. Original search yielded 27 results, from those, only 8 articles contained sensitivity and specificity regarding DLB. The target population of review were older adults 65 and older. The assessment measures analyzed were the BSID, HVLT, MMSE QSPT, SAI, MMSE, and ICS, and others. Findings of eight studies were evaluated regarding sensitivity and specificity across neuropsychological assessments for DLB. Among the most specific and sensitive measures were the Alba Screening Instrument (ASI; sensitivity 90.7%, specificity 93.6%), and a combination of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) percent retention, Block Design, Trail Making Test--Part A, and Benton Visual Form Discrimination (specificity 96.1% and sensitivity 88.6%). Lower specificity and sensitivity were found in Illusory contour (ICs-4; specificity and sensitivity of 37.1% and 88.6%) and the Minimental State Examination-Pentagon Test (MMSE-QSPT; specificity 78.67% and sensitivity 70.29%). Other tests and combinations were explored. Specificity ranged from 76% to 96.1%, while sensitivity ranged from 37.1% to 90.7% throughout the neuropsychological tests examined. One major limitation across the studies constituted lack of pathological, post-mortem, confirmation. Additionally, while the use of cutoff scores across assessments appeared to enhance the sensitivity and specificity, it seemed to compromise the diagnostic accuracy of AD.
Biomarker Use for Dementia With Lewy Body Diagnosis
