Local Support Groups
North American Local Support Groups
Local support groups are listed below first by U.S. states, then by Canadian provinces. All support groups are led by LBDA volunteers, except those with an asterisk (*) following the city name. These other groups truly welcome LBD caregivers, but are not directly affiliated with the LBDA.
If you are interested in attending a local LBD support group in a location not currently listed, please check back often.
Quick Links:
United States - AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VT WA WI WV WY
Canada – AB BC MB NB NL NS NT NU ON PE QC SK YT
To contact the LBDA about starting a LBD support group in your area -or- if you are already facilitating a LBD support group and it is not listed here, please send us an e-mail using the form at the bottom of this page.
Alabama
NW Florida/SE Alabama LBD Caregivers Support Group
When: Meetings temporarily on hold. Call or e-mail Sharon Murray for further information.
Where: Meetings temporarily on hold. Call or e-mail Sharon Murray for further information.
Contact: Sharon Murray, 850.361.9823.
Arizona
East Valley Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support Group
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Clare Bridge of Tempe, 1610 E. Guadalupe Road, Tempe, AZ 85283
Who: Caregivers and family members who have a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, or any other dementia.
Note: The meetings are drop in. Caregivers are welcome to bring their loved one who has dementia for respite care, free of charge, while the caregiver is attending the support group meeting.
Contact: Randine Hoefer, 480.777.9334.
California
Gold River Lewy Body Support Group*
When: 2nd Thursday of every month, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: Eskaton Lodge Gold River, Assisted Living and Memory Care, 11390 Coloma Road, Gold River, CA 95670.
Who: Caregivers and loved ones of those diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
Contact: Tamara Kong, 916.852.7900.
Irvine Area Caregiver Support Group
When: First Wednesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (RSVP recommended for parking permits)
Where: University of California Irvine Campus, Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, 1st floor conference room
Who: LBD and FTD caregivers
Contact: Shirley Sirivong, 949.824.8135 or Jean Moonilal, 949.757.3758.
Northern California/East Bay LBD and other Dementias Support Group
When: Contact Karen Jenkins for details.
Where: Livermore, CA. Contact Karen Jenkins for details.
Contact: Karen Jenkins, 925.325.0544.
Palm Desert Area Alzheimer’s Family Support Group*
When: Every Thursday, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Where: Eisenhower Medical Center Five Star Club, 42201 Beacon Hill, Suite A, Palm Desert, California, 92211.
Who: Family members who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy body dementia, or any other dementia.
Note: The meetings are drop-in and caregivers are welcome to bring their loved one who has dementia with them to join the adult daycare, free of charge, while the caregivers attend the support group meeting.
Contact: Stacy Smith, 760.836.0232.
Sacramento Pocket Area LBD Support Group
When: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Primrose Specialized Senior Living, 7707 Rush River Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831.
Who: Caregivers, and loved ones of those diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
Note: Respite care available.
Contact: Kim Winters BSG., M.Ed., 916.392.3510.
San Francisco Bay Area - LBD and Atypical Parkinsonism Caregiver Support Group
When: Approximately every six weeks on a Sunday, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (call for date information)
Where: Restaurant in San Mateo (off highways 101 and 92)
Who: Caregivers of those with Atypical Parkinsonism disorders (LBD, PSP, MSA, CBGD, etc)
Contact: Robin Riddle, 650.233.9277.
Southern California (from the Mexican border north to Santa Barbara) Parkinson Plus Support Group*
When: 3rd Saturday of every month, from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center, 6041 Cadillac Avenue (Clinic Building, Basement Level, Classroom D), Los Angeles, CA 90034, (323) 857-2000. This facility is located directly off of the 10 Freeway.
Who: For caregivers, family members, friends, support persons and their loved ones who have been diagnosed with LBD, PSP, CBGD, APD, MSA, OPCA, SND, SDS or other similar neurological diseases. Note: Each of the above disease groups meets as its own group.
Contact: Larry Schenker, 310.441.1488 or Jenny Lim, 917.440.3323
Colorado
Northern Colorado Lewy Body Dementia Support Group
When: Contact Karen Waldron for details.
Where: Contact Karen Waldon for details.
Who: For caregivers and family members of those diagnosed with LBD.
Contact: Karen Waldron, 970.219.0898 or 970.282.7183.
District of Columbia
District of Columbia Metro Area - Atypical Parkinsonism Caregiver Support Group*
When: Spring, summer and fall; no winter meetings.
Where: Meets in group member's homes, libraries and parks.
Who: Caregivers of those with Atypical Parkinsonism disorders (LBD, PSP, MSA, CBGD, etc.).
Contact: Bill Werre or Laura Dunn for next meeting date, time and location.
Florida
Highlands County Area Weekly Caregiver Support Group
When: Every Thursday, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Sebring Christian Church, 4514 Hammock Road, Sebring, FL 33872.
Who: Family members of loved ones with progressive dementia.
Contact: Lyn & Bill Roche, 863.402.0464.
Note: This group was formed in October 2000 by the Roches, who were caregivers for three family members. Every week, new and seasoned Christian and Jewish caregivers, with loved ones who have a variety of dementias, come together around a big table laden with warm, fresh-baked cookies. Each session begins and ends with a short non-denominational prayer. The Roches are accredited facilitators by both the Alzheimer's Association and the Lewy Body Dementia Association. In addition to authoring caregiving books, they currently write a newspaper column offering practical caregiving tips.
Jacksonville, FL - Mayo Clinic Memory Disorder Clinic Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Education Series and Caregiver Support Group
When: Third Tuesday of each month, from 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Where: Mayo Clinic Memory Disorder Clinic, Cannaday Building – Room 1106, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224. Free parking is available adjacent to the Cannaday Building.
Who: For family members to improve their understanding of dementia, including symptoms and behavior changes as well as understand the progression of the disease, plan for the future, and provide knowledge to assist in their caregiving role.
Contact: Mayo Clinic Memory Disorder Clinic, 904.953.7103.
North Broward Lewy Body Dementia Support Group
When: Call for meeting day and time
Where: North Broward Memory Disorder Clinic, 201 East Sample Road, Deerfield Beach, FL, 33064
Who: LBD caregivers and family members.
Contact: John Cavoto, 954.786.7337
NW Florida/SE Alabama LBD Caregivers Support Group
When: Meetings temporarily on hold. Call or e-mail Sharon Murray for further information.
Where: Meetings temporarily on hold. Call or e-mail Sharon Murray for further information.
Contact: Sharon Murray, 850.361.9823.
Georgia
Three groups/classes sponsored by the Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center:
Atlanta Early Memory Loss Group/Class*
When: Fridays for 8 weeks, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Held twice a year in September-October and again in February-March.
Where: Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, 1841 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329.
Who: Open to people with mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s disease, early LBD and early frontotemporal dementia. Couples are invited to participate where one person has been diagnosed with mild memory and cognitive changes. The group is divided so that the member of the couple who is experiencing memory or cognitive changes meets in one group and their spouse/care partner meets in another group. Single individuals experiencing early memory loss are also invited to participate in this group. They may come alone but are encouraged to bring a friend and/or family member to participate in the care partners group. Topics include: common changes in people faced with cognitive changes, role changes, memory aides, planning for the future and stress reduction.
Note: Participation requires an interview prior to registration.
Contact: Susan Peterson-Hazan, MSW, LCSW 404.728.6273.
Caregiver Challenges Class: Everything A Caregiver Needs to Know about the Middle Stage of Dementia*
When: Fridays for 6 weeks, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Held twice a year in November-December and again in April-May.
Where: Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, 1841 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329.
Who: Class is designed to prepare caregivers for the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease, LBD, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. These progressive neurodegenerative diseases require families to plan for the future. Proactive planning can help ensure a high quality of life for the person with the illness as well as their family. Topics include: middle stage disease symptoms, behavior changes and strategies to cope with the changes, treatment options, legal planning issues, and resources to meet evolving needs.
Note: Participation requires registration.
Contact: Susan Peterson-Hazan, MSW, LCSW 404.728.6273.
Late Stage Dementia Class: Things A Caregiver Needs to Know about Late Stage Alzheimer’s Disease, LBD and Frontotemporal Dementia*
When: Fridays for 4 weeks, from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Held twice a year in January and again in May-June.
Where: Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, 1841 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329.
Who: Class is designed to prepare caregivers for the late and terminal stage of Alzheimer’s disease, LBD, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. Topics to be covered include late stage physical symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases, ethical dilemma’s that may occur and services available during the late stage, such as Hospice.
Note: Participation requires registration.
Contact: Susan Peterson-Hazan, MSW, LCSW 404.728.6273.
Illinois
Northern Chicago/Highland Park Area LBD Support Group
When: First Friday of each month, from 12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Members are free to leave early if they if they can’t stay until 2:30 pm.
Where: Symphony's Café, 1945 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201, 847.475.1200.
Who: For family members who have a loved one with LBD.
Contact: Hynda Gamze 847.432.6216. Be sure to provide your e-mail address and phone number.
Indiana
Brown County Caregiver Support Group
When: First and third Tuesday of each month, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Brown County Public Library – Lower Level meeting room, 205 Locust Lane, Nashville, IN 47448.
Who: Caregivers, family members, friends, support persons and health care professionals caring for persons with Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other types of degenerative dementias.
Contact: Donna Partridge, 812.988.9390.
Kansas
Topeka-Northeast Kansas Dementia Support Group
When & where: The next meeting is being scheduled, contact June Christensen for details.
Contact: June Christensen, 785.273.7290.
Maine
Portland Area Atypical-Parkinson’s Support Group*
When: Saturday September 27, 2008, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (meets four times per year)
Where: Parkinson's Information & Referral Center At MaineHealth Learning Resource Center, 5 Buckman Road, Suite 1A, Falmouth, ME 04105.
Who: People and families dealing with LBD, PSP, CBD, MSA and other similar neurological disease.
Contact: Janet Edmunson, 207.799.4963 or Barby Johnson, 207.633.0881.
Maryland
Baltimore County LBD Caregiver Support Group
When: Contact Kathleen Hadaway for details.
Where: Morningside House of Satyr Hill, 8800 Old Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234.
Who: Caregivers and family members of those diagnosed with LBD.
Contact: Kathleen Hadaway, 443.802.0734.
Massachusetts
Metro Boston LBD Caregiver Support Group
When: Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. (Please call to confirm the date and time.)
Where: Grande Room at Sherrill House, 135 South Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. (Get directions.)
Contact: Victoria Ruff 617.710.0136
Note: Other Massachusetts support groups may soon form, in areas such as the South Shore, and the western part of the state, should there be additional interest. For now be part of the Massachusetts online e-mail group by e-mailing your contact information to Victoria Ruff so she can advise you when a group forms in your area. E-mailing Victoria will also allow you to connect online now with others in your immediate area.
North Shore Atypical Parkinson’s Support Group*
When: Quarterly - Saturday June 28, 2008, September 20, 2008, and December 6, 2008, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Alumni Conference Room, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01705.
Directions: From Route 128/I-95, take exit 33B. When heading south, go straight through the lights onto Mall Road. When heading north, exit 33B leads onto Cambridge Street (Route 3A). At the first light, turn left onto Mall Road. Once on Mall Road, go to the third set of lights. The Lahey Clinic Medical Center will be on your left. Go in the main entrance to the information desk and ask for directions to the Alumni Conference Room.
Who: People and families dealing with LBD, PSP, CBD, MSA and other similar neurological disease.
Contact: Ann Aversa, 617.872.8356.
Minnesota
Minnesota Caregiver Support Group
When: Third Monday of each month, usually at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Lakeview Commons of Maplewood, 1200 Lakewood Dr. N., Maplewood, MN 55119. (Please call to confirm the time and place.)
Who: Group is for families facing a diagnosis of LBD and healthcare professionals working with persons with LBD who want information and support.
Contact: Barbara Knight at Lakeview Commons 651.770.1111 ext. 150 or Elaine Carlson for specifics of the upcoming meeting and to be placed on the group's mailing list.
Southwest Metro Minneapolis Caregiver Support Group
When: Second Monday of each month, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Gianna Homes, 4605 Fairhills Road East, Minnetonka, MN 55345. Please park in the lower parking lot behind the residence. (Call the contact number below to confirm the time and place.) Click here for directions or contact Anne Marie Hansen for directions.
Who: For families facing a diagnosis of LBD and healthcare professionals working with persons with LBD who want information and support.
Contact: Anne Marie Hansen 952.988.0953 for meeting specifics and to be placed on the group's mailing list.
Twin Cities Metro Area Caregiver Support Group*
When: 2nd Thursday of each month, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Struthers Parkinson's Center, 6701 Country Club Drive, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Who: Caregivers of those living with movement disorders, including Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson's Disease.
Note: Respite care is available during the support group meeting. Please call to make a reservation.
Contact: Joan Hlas, 952.993.6650
Twin Cities Metro Area Atypical Parkinson's Disease Support Group*
When: 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Struthers Parkinson's Center, 6701 Country Club Drive, Golden Valley, MN 55427
Who: Anyone diagnosed or caring for someone diagnosed with a Parkinson's Disease spectrum disorder, including Lewy Body Dementia, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and Multiple Systems Atrophy.
Contact: Joan Hlas, 952.993.6650
Twin Cities Southeast Metro Caregiver Support Group
When: Second Thursday of each month, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Peaceful Mind Homes, 3808 Blackhawk Ridge Place, Eagan MN 55122. Call the contact number below to confirm the time and place. Contact kam@peacefulmindhomes.com for directions.
Who: Caregivers and family members who have a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, or any other dementia.
Note: The meetings are drop in. Caregivers are welcome to bring their loved one who has dementia for respite care, free of charge, while the caregiver is attending the support group meeting. Please call to make a reservation.
Contact: Kam Aggarwal, 651.538.4499
Missouri
St. Louis Early Onset Dementia Support Group *
When & where: Contact Charlie Schneider for details.
Who: Anyone with early onset dementia, including LBD, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other dementias.
Contact: Charlie Schneider, 314.422.0238.
New Hampshire
Monadnock Parkinson’s Support Group
When: 1st Tuesday of every month, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm.
Where: Saint James Episcopal Church’s Undercroft on the lower level, 44 West Street (for the Undercroft, use the Lamson Street entrance), Keene, NH 03431.
Who: Anyone who has Parkinson-like symptoms or Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.
Contact: Joe Nicholas, 603.352.1727.
New York
Long Island Area Support Group
When: Every third or fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Nassau County; call for location.
Who: LBD caregivers.
Contact: Norma Loeb, 212.556.1278.
New York Metro Area Support Group
When: First Friday of each month, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Manhattan; call for location.
Who: LBD caregivers.
Contact: Norma Loeb, 212.556.1278.
North Carolina
Wilmington Area LBD Support Group
When: Third Wednesday of each month, 2:00 p.m. (Please call to confirm the date and time.)
Where: Wilmington Senior Center, 2222 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28483.
Contact: Dick Freund 910.686.2583.
South Carolina
Golden Corner Lewy Body Dementia Support Group
When: Last Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Benton Village Retirement Community, 515 Benton Street, Seneca, SC 29672.
Who: Caregivers and health care professionals.
Contact: Debbie Malone 864.888.4114.
Midlands Area Lewy Body Dementia Support Group
When: 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Haven in the Summit, 3 Summit Terrace, Columbia, SC 29229 (located near the Village at Sandhill shopping center)
Who: For family members who have a loved one with LBD.
Contact: Dianne Hillyer, 803.917.3470.
Texas
Houston Area Lewy Body Dementia Caregivers Support Group *
When: Contact Michelle Sonnier for details.
Where: Contact Michelle Sonnier for details.
Contact: Michelle Sonnier, 713.314.1393.
Houston Area Support Group*
When: Third Saturday of each month (except for July (no meeting) and December, when the meeting is on the second Saturday.) 1:00 p.m.
Where: Learning Center B of Professional Building II on the campus of the Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital located at 7737 Beechnut. (Located at the Beechnut/Gessner Exit from Highway 59.)
Who: For caregivers and persons with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Lewy body dementia, corticobasal ganglionic degeneration, and multiple system atrophy.
Contact: Karen M. Kennemer 281.358.2282.
Wisconsin
Southern Wisconsin/Beloit (daytime) Dementia Support Group*
When: Second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Beloit Memorial Hospital, 1969 West Hart Road, Beloit, WI 53511
Who: Caregivers of individuals with Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other related illnesses.
Contact: Larisa Chmielewski, 608.314.8500.
Southern Wisconsin/Beloit (evening) Dementia Support Group*
When: Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: First Methodist Church, 511 Public Avenue, Beloit, WI 53511
Who: Caregivers of individuals with Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other related illnesses.
Contact: Nancy Toubl, 608.362.8866 or Julie Ojeda, 608.365.5529.
Southern Wisconsin/Janesville Dementia Support Group*
When: Second Thursday of each month, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: American Red Cross, 211 North Parker Drive, Janesville, WI 53545.
Who: Caregivers of individuals with Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other related illnesses.
Contact: Julie Seeman or Paulette Steinke, 608.758.8455.
Southern Wisconsin/Edgerton Dementia Support Group*
When: Third Wednesday of each month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Edgerton Hospital (in the classroom near the cafeteria on the outpatient floor), 313 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534.
Who: Caregivers of individuals with Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other related illnesses.
Contact: Tammy Pence, 608.314.8500.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Alzheimer Society of Toronto Lewy Body Family Support Group*
When: Second Wednesday of each month 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Where: Alzheimer Society of Toronto, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8
Who: Family members of those diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia.
Contact: Jennifer Kivell, 416.322.6560, ext. 231.
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