Thursday, December 2, 2021

Lewy Body Dementia - Support

The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to

raising awareness of the Lewy body dementias (LBD), supporting people with LBD, their families and caregivers and promoting scientific advances. The Association's purposes are charitable, educational, and scientific.
Click to visit the LBDA website

LBDA was formed by a group of caregivers who met in an online LBD caregiver support group. Discussions about the need of support for LBD caregivers and the lack of public awareness about LBD led to the organization's incorporation. The directors of the LBDA Board are located throughout the United States, and LBDA volunteers are from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The association consists of a dedicated group of people from all walks of life who understand the struggles of other caregivers due to their personal LBD experiences.

SUPPORTS - through the The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA)
Click here to see details about the Maryland in person group

LBDA Lewy Line
LBD families and caregivers can connect directly on a regional basis, through the LBDA Lewy Line, featuring “Lewy Buddies.” “Lewy Buddies" are experienced LBD caregivers who share their time and experience with LBD families by:
Listening compassionately and confidentially to the challenges of LBD families and sharing their own personal experience with LBD
Offering emotional support
Referring families to additional LBDA programs and services as appropriate for their needs

LBDA Caregiver Supports
If you’re new to caregiving or experienced with providing for your loved one, we hope you find something here to utilize and inspire.
Click here to view the LBDA Caregiver Supports

LBDA Virtual Support Group
LBDA promotes a range of support groups that mean online, including those for the person with the diagnosis, their caregivers and loved one.
Click here to learn more


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Bender JCC Parkinson's Wellness Initiative
Exercise is a critical part of a Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patient’s treatment since it helps with flexibility, posture, and overall movement. Research from Parkinson’s Foundation’s Parkinson’s Outcomes Project has proven that 2.5 hours of exercise per week has a significant difference in the quality of life for those with PD. Regular physical activity is linked to improved mobility and less cognitive decline.
Click here to visit the website

The Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area invites caregivers to the Bethesda support group.

Online Support Groups (including Parkinson's)
Caregivers who participate in support groups report they feel less stressed and less alone in their experiences providing care for a loved one. Yet not all caregivers can attend in person support groups. Some caregivers (for a range of reasons) are unable to attend local support groups. Fortunately there are other options, these include online support groups.
This format is provided over the internet and offers privacy and the benefits of not leaving home.
Sibley Senior Association - Support Groups (including Parkinson's)
Sibley offers a variety of support groups to Senior Association members and to the community.
Support groups are free, ongoing and open to new members. Call the numbers listed for more information and registration.
Click here to read more details

Diverse Support Groups through Iona (including Parkinson's)
Are you a family caregiver who is feeling overwhelmed, or anxious, or sad — or all three? Are you struggling with the mixed emotions that come with aging?
Iona support groups offer a much-needed anchor by providing you a space to connect with others experiencing similar situations. Come vent, share stories, and learn coping strategies.
Facilitated by Iona professionals, our support groups give participants the opportunity to:
Find emotional comfort and moral support
Gain practical advice
Compare notes on resources
Talk honestly and confidentially with others going through the same thing
Click here to read more details

National Institutes on Aging Report
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies. These deposits affect chemicals in the brain whose changes, in turn, can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. Lewy body dementia is one of the most common causes of dementia.Click here to read more

More National Institutes of Health (NIA) information about Lewy Body Dementia
Click here for the NIA LBD introduction
Click here for the NIA LBD "Hope Through Research"