Lewy Body disease resources
Lewy Body disease - a typical case
Lewy body disease is a common neurodegenerative disease of ageing.
It affects over 100,000 Australians.
Lewy body disease causes gradual brain damage. For reasons not fully understood, it occurs when there is an abnormal build up of a protein called alphasynuclein in brain cells. These abnormalities occur in specific areas of the brain, causing changes in movement, thinking and behaviour.
Lewy body disease is one of the most prevalent causes of dementia, but unlike Alzheimer's disease, it is not well known.
Lewy body disease includes three overlapping disorders:
- dementia with Lewy bodies
- Parkinson's disease
- Parkinson's disease dementia
This overlap results in the disease being called a spectrum disease.
This DVD features Robin Groves, who was diagnosed with Lewy body disease in 2006 and his wife Lis. They discuss how Lewy body disease has affected their lives, including some of the challenges they have faced.
The DVD is divided into three chapters.
Chapter 1: Robin and Lis
Robin and Lis talk frankly about the condition, and about the changing behaviours Robin experiences. Click on the link below to view the DVD.
Chapter 2: A typical case?
Discusses signs and symptoms of the illness. Click on the link below to view the DVD.
Chapter 3: Visiting the doctor
Identifies strategies to ensure the doctor or medical professional gets the information they need to provide appropriate ongoing care. Click on the link below to view the DVD.
For more information see Lewy Body disease.
Dementia Australia offers support, information, education and counselling. Contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.