Thanks for taking the time to have a wee look at my page.

I decided to go for a little run...

I have set myself the huge personal challenge of running The Loch Ness Marathon on 24th September 2017. Why on earth would I do this to myself?!  I am doing this to raise funds, and awareness for The Lewy Body Society. 

"Lewy what?..."  Precisely.  

These were my words, when in 2014, at the age of 67, my Dad was (finally) diagnosed with this heartbreaking and cruel disease. Chances are you have never heard of this form of Dementia before.  So what exactly makes Lewy Body Dementia different from another type of dementia? 

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common form of Dementia, but people are not aware of it.  I want to help change this. It shares mental symptoms, such as confusion and loss of memory, with Alzheimer’s disease and motor symptoms, such as gait and slow movement, with Parkinson’s disease. For that reason it is often misdiagnosed. Accurate diagnosis is essential for successful treatment of the disease.  If someone with Lewy Body is given medication for Parkinsons Disease, this can be fatal. In the UK, 100,000 people are estimated to have DLB.

 It causes my Dad hallucinations, and frightening night terrors which are acted out, causing violent movements in his sleep.  Loss of visual and spatial abilities, basic reasoning, and problem solving skills add to my Dad's confusion and frustration. This is particularly difficult for the caregiver, which in my family's case, is my Mum.  Watching the decline of a witty, clever, and social man, known as the life and soul of the party, is quite frankly, heart breaking. It requires patience, understanding, love, and at times, a hell of a good sense of humour. However, I cannot even begin to understand the pain that my Dad is feeling as he experiences his own brain disintegrating. 

My family are not unique.  Many of you will relate to how painful and frustrating similar forms of dementia and Alzheimer's can be, for sufferers, their families, and care givers. 

Where will your money go?

The Lewy Body Society is the only UK-based charity dedicated solely to Lewy Body Dementia, or Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Founded in 2006, They aim to support research into DLB and to raise awareness and educate the public, the medical profession and those in healthcare decision-making positions about the disease.  The Society is currently funding research at Cambridge, (University College) London, Newcastle and Southampton Universities.

http://www.lewybody.org/about-dlb/

If you are still reading, THANK YOU.  No amount is too small... or too big! ;) and any donations so much appreciated. Wish me luck! 

Much love, Laura