Krissan’s long journey to diagnosis

In 2014, Krissan Lutz Moss started experiencing unusual changes — vivid dreams, tremors, and a “loss of filter” that caused her to say things that surprised herself. 
Within a few years, she was also struggling with math, language and projects at work.

At her manager’s suggestion, Krissan took a short-term disability leave and saw a neurologist. He diagnosed her with depression and prescribed anti-depressants. 
The medication helped but when she punched her sleeping husband while having a nightmare, her psychologist recommended more testing.

From there, her journey to a Lewy body dementia (LBD) diagnosis grew more complicated. Other troubling symptoms appeared, including loss of smell, constipation, and fatigue. She also saw four neurologists, four psychologists, and two sleep specialists.

It wasn’t until she participated in a clinical study at LBDA’s RCOE at the Mayo Clinic, that she received the answers she needed.

Finding LBDA and hope

After several years of navigating a maze of symptoms, Krissan found relief in her diagnosis. As a former nurse, she understood the complexities of diseases, but the support she received through LBDA helped to reshape her journey. LBDA was the first organization she found with support groups. Krissan shares the groups “really helped me understand how to manage life with LBD – they gave me the gift of normalcy and the words to explain my situation to others.”

Krissan believes organizations like LBDA, “that are patient centered are crucial for the disease.” She has utilized resources from LBDA’s informative webinars to educate her family and friends, bridging the gap between her experience and their understanding.

Today, Krissan is an LBD advocate dedicated to raising awareness about the disease and helping others find a shorter path to diagnosis. “I’m not losing to Lewy, I’m just living with Lewy,” and she’s grateful for how LBDA is helping her do so.

Donating to LBDA will help us develop tools for early diagnosis 
and find therapies for symptoms.

Help us help others like Krissan

Your meaningful gift to LBDA will help raise awareness about LBD to healthcare professionals and the public. Your generosity will also fund our support services, outreach, education and research efforts for those affected by LBD.

Donate using the form on the right.