Spreading Awareness, One Bark at a Time-Lewy Body Disease

Hello, dear friends! Welcome to Doggies for Dementia blog, where we spread love and awareness like sunshine! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to our hearts: Lewy Body Dementia. We’re here to make it as simple as a wagging tail.

What is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy Body Dementia, or LBD for short, is a brain disease that can affect anyone. It’s named after the scientist who discovered it, Dr. Lewy. LBD can be a little tricky because it combines the problems of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand it better.

Signs and Symptoms: What to Look For

Imagine your favorite game of fetch with your furry friend. Now, picture if that game started getting confusing. That’s what it can feel like for someone with LBD. They might forget things, get mixed up, or even see things that aren’t there, just like when your dog barks at shadows.

Other signs include problems with moving, like stiffness or shakiness, paranoia, problems concentrating, memory loss, confusion, and hallucinations.  Sleep troubles, like bad dreams, can also happen. The signs can be severe and difficult for both the person with Lewy Body Disease and their families/caregivers.  Additionally, the problems can fluctuate and worsen quickly.

Famous Faces Who Fought LBD

Here are some stars who battled Lewy Body Dementia:

Robin Williams: He made us laugh and cry with his acting, but behind the scenes, he faced LBD bravely. Remember, even the brightest smiles can hide pain sometimes.

Estelle Getty:

 You might know her as Sophia Petrillo from “The Golden Girls.” She showed us how to age gracefully, but she also faced the challenges of LBD.

Casey Kasem: He had a voice that filled our radios for years. Sadly, he also had LBD, reminding us that this disease can affect anyone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Shirk– Bob is our star!  We photographed Bob and his family as he met his granddaughter Bonnie for the the first time. According to his wife Ruth-Bob worked for Handiclean Products selling commercial cleaning products to industries for  42  years despite being born with polio.

He was named the  company’s person of the year  twice. The company focused on hiring people with disabilities.  He is a remarkable husband, father and grandfather. Be sure and see our previous blogs about Bob and his beautiful family.

 

 

A Few Facts about Lewy Body Dementia

1. What’s LBD’s Frequency?

Lewy Body Dementia might seem rare, but it’s more common than you’d think. There are over one million people in the United States who have this disease. That’s like having a thousand big football stadiums filled with folks who need our support and understanding.

2. Age is Just a Number

While Levy Body Dementia can happen to anyone, it’s more common in older folks, usually in their 50s or 60s. But remember, age is just a number, and love and compassion know no age limit.

3. A Challenge for Caregivers

For every person with LBD, there are often two or three amazing caregivers by their side, helping them through each day. These caregivers are heroes, just like the superheroes your kids love, and they need our support too.

Spreading Awareness, One Bark at a Time

Here at Doggies for Dementia, we believe that awareness is like planting seeds of love. The more we talk about LBD and understand it, the more we can help those affected.

For every person with Lewy Body Dementia, there are amazing caregivers by their side, helping them through each day. These caregivers are heroes, just like the superheroes your kids love, and they need our support too.

In conclusion, Lewy Body Dementia is like a puzzle, and we’re all pieces of it. By understanding it better, we can help those who face it and their families. Remember, we’re here to spread love and awareness.

Our Mission and Values

Digging in with Doggies for Dementia Video Blog Interviews about Lewy Body Dementia with Sarah Hyde Williams

Part 1    

Part 2