Successful management of persistent distressing neuropsychiatric symptoms by clozapine in a patient suffering from dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia associated with poor prognosis and high carers' burden. Neuropsychiatric symptoms worsen this prognosis and are a high source of distress for service users and their carers. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of these symptoms. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the first-line pharmacological option, but challenging risky behaviours may persist despite their use. Antipsychotic medications are indicated in such clinical scenarios, but there is very limited evidence to support the efficacy and safety of these medications for managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in DLB. Hence, we report an individual with DLB with severe distressing persistent visual hallucinations and agitation. After multiple treatment options had failed, clozapine was successfully initiated with substantial improvement in both clinical and functional outcomes. Further studies are warranted for evaluating the efficacy of clozapine in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in DLB.

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