Lewy Body Dementia

This book is a welcome resource for anyone who wants to know more about Lewy body dementia; a condition which is often misunderstood. The author provides a practical, easy to understand and useful step - by step approach to understanding and managing complex symptoms as well as tips for accessing support. The inclusion of quotes provided from people with lived experience also helps bring to life the reality of living with Lewy body dementia. I would recommend this book as reading for a range of people - families and professionals alike. * Rachel Thompson, Consultant Admiral Nurse, Lewy body dementia *It’s wonderful to have a book written by Alison Killen, someone with such knowledge, dedication and the intuition to have people “Living with first hand experiences of Dementia with Lewy Bodies” to give their perspective. * John Wall, living with Dementia with Lewy bodies *It’s a cracking book. There’s a lot of work gone into this * Bill living with DLB (Doug in the book) *When my husband was diagnosed with LBD, I thought I’d learned a lot about it. However, this book is easy to understand and is a vital source of information. It comprehensively covers all aspects of LBD and is a must for those living with LBD and primary care professionals. It is so informative and easy to read and understand. There are some excellent coping and other tips which will be a great help to me and anyone dealing with LBD. I will definitely be ordering copies for our children and will be promoting it to my carers’ group and our GP practice. * Vicky, carer of her husband living with LBD *The medical equivalent of a work of art. If we had had this book at the beginning of our journey, we would have been in a much better place to deal with the problems. It is a gem. * JB, living with DLB *A practical and empathetic guide to LBD from the earliest signs and symptoms to active participation in the Research which WILL eventually discover a cure. Every LBD caregiver whether informal or healthcare professional needs this book. I sincerely wish this book had been available when my husband was first diagnosed. It would have been a tremendous help. It’s packed full of everything you need to know plus extensive references for further study. * MB, carer for her husband living with DLB *When Gordon was first diagnosed with DLB, we knew nothing about the condition. Alison Killen’s book would have been incredibly helpful for both of us in coming to terms with the diagnosis as well as understanding the condition and how it can be managed. Crucially, it is written in language a layperson can understand. It will become a valuable tool for people diagnosed with DLB, their families, and medical practitioners. * Maggie Jones, former carer for her late husband Gordon who had DLB *This is an outstanding and deeply compassionate guide to Lewy body dementia. Comprehensive yet accessible, it offers clear, practical advice grounded in real experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to all my patients living with Lewy body dementia and their families as an essential source of understanding, reassurance, and hope in challenging times. * Professor John-Paul Taylor, Clinical Professor of Translational Dementia Research and Chair of The International Consortium for Dementia with Lewy Bodies *Alison Killen brings her extensive experience of working with Lewy body dementia to this excellent book. She understands what patients and their families want to know, and provides clear, helpful information and guidance. An important new dementia resource that health, residential and social care staff will also find useful. * Ian McKeith, Emeritus Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, Newcastle University *Alison has created an essential, compassionate resource for anyone affected by Lewy Body Dementia. Her practical advice, real-life insight and reassuring clarity make this book a vital guide for families, carers and health professionals seeking to understand and support people living with Lewy Body Dementia. * Claire Airey, Specialist Research Nurse, Lewy Body Dementia *A compassionate and practical guide that explores the emotional landscape of Lewy body dementia as clearly as the clinical one. The practical tips provided by those living with Lewy body dementia and families offer a valuable resource to help navigate the complexities of this condition with confidence and hope. * Dr Allison Bentley, PhD., MSc, BA (Hons) Primary and community care, RGN *This book provides a comprehensive resource that will support people with Lewy body dementia and their carers to navigate the challenges they encounter when living with the condition. It will also serve as an excellent reference guide for professionals working in this field, full of practical advice that can be shared with their patients and colleagues. * Dr Paul Donaghy, MRC Clinician Scientist Fellow, Newcastle University and Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist *As someone whose father lived with Lewy body dementia, I know how challenging it can be for families. This book is an essential tool for both family carers and professional carers, helping them to better understand and support people living with LBD. * Jacqui Cannon Chief Executive, The Lewy Body Society *An invaluable, comprehensive resource for everyone whose lives are affected by LBD. Clearly written, making the science accessible and filled with sound, practical advice for helping people living with a diagnosis to have as good a quality of life as possible for as long as possible. * Ashley Bayston JP, BA, LLB, FRSA. Founder of the Lewy Body Society *

Alison Killen is a Research Associate at Newcastle University. She facilitates Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement for the Biomedical Research Centre’s Dementia and Mental Health Theme.

With 15 years of experience in dementia research, Alison’s focus has been on Lewy body dementia (LBD). She has authored several publications on the subject and received a grant from Lewy Body Society UK to develop an intervention aimed at addressing the support and information needs of individuals and their families following an LBD diagnosis.

Alison has worked in one of the UK’s specialized LBD diagnostic clinics alongside Professor J P Taylor, an internationally recognized expert in the field. In this role, she has conducted numerous psychological assessments and provided psychosocial support to a diverse range of individuals with LBD and their families.