Dementia with Lewy bodies is the second most common form of degenerative dementia. Despite the established dichotomy between dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia, there are striking similarities. These include overlaps in neuro- pathology, clinical findings, pharmacologic responses, neurochemistry, and neuropsychology. Despite the well-established consensus criteria for the clinical diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies, the validity of this set of criteria has been questioned. The central place of cognitive fluctuations and visual hallucinations for the diagnosis is uncertain. The presence of parkinsonism and its co-occurrence with dementia appear to be more reliable features. The use of the consensus criteria may result in over- or underdiagnosis. There is extensive overlap between Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body disorders. There is some evidence that the presence of Alzheimer’s disease plaque amyloid may foster the production of Lewy bodies. (Annals of Long-

Atypical antipsychotics are utilized in the elderly to manage a broad spectrum of psychotic and behavioral symptoms. The clinician is faced with increasingly complex decisions regarding the use and choice of agents. Much of the focused use of atypical antipsychotics in the elderly, the management of psychosis and behavioral disturbance associated with dementia, remains an off-label treatment. Recent Food and Drug Administration warnings regarding metabolic issues, cardiac conduction, and risk of cerebrovascular adverse events have put the clinician in a precarious position in managing patients with dementia with psychiatric and behavioral symptoms. However, there is significant literature supporting the general safety and efficacy of these agents. Part I of this article discusses the recent warnings associated with atypical agents. Part II will profile each of the six atypical agents available in the U.S market, and present an algorithm for treatment. (Annals of Long-Term Care: Clinica