title: Longitudinal testing of visual perception in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Visuo-perceptual abnormalities are a prominent feature in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and also occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD) to a lesser extent. We studied the progression of visuo-perceptual abnormalities over a 12-month period in DLB and AD by using a novel computerised test battery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following our previous work using the Newcastle Visual Perception (NEVIP) battery, we re-assessed 16 AD, 12 DLB and 28 similar-aged comparison participants 12 months after initial baseline assessment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DLB visual perception at follow-up showed worse performance than AD (U = 43, p = 0.027); however, there were no significant changes in visuo-perceptual scores between baseline assessment and 12-month assessment within groups. A poor baseline score on the NEVIP predicted subsequent deterioration on the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale (rs  = -0.725, p = 0.014) in DLB participants but not in the AD group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The NEVIP is a reliable test of visuo-perception, relatively independent of cognitive decline, with predictive value in identifying DLB participants at risk of functional decline. Visuo-perceptual dysfunction is a core feature of the disorder for some DLB patients and was stable over the 12-month period examined here.
authors: Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK. josh.wood@ncl.ac.uk
authors: Joshua S
authors: JS
authors: Wood
authors: Rosie
authors: R
authors: Watson
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Firbank
authors: Urs P
authors: UP
authors: Mosimann
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Barber
authors: Andrew M
authors: AM
authors: Blamire
authors: John T
authors: JT
authors: O'Brien
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020961:Lewy Body Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014792:Visual Acuity