The Strength of Deborah

Lewy body dementia (LBD) does not pick and choose who it will affect. LBD does not care about status, or what kind of support you may or may not have. This disease affects more than 1.4 million people and their families. But what happens if you have to take LBD on by yourself? How much more of a burden does that create?

One of the members of our community is doing just that. Deborah Lloyd is nothing short of a hero. She is a fighter, and she is not afraid of tackling this disease head on. What’s even more courageous is that she chooses to deal with everything until she is no longer independent.

Like others, her road to a diagnosis was long and arduous. She was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease after experiencing movement issues. She was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), a form of LBD, when she began experiencing hallucinations. She knew something wasn’t right. The symptoms have impeded her ability to use public transit and she is finding herself withdrawing more and more from her friends. LBD has caused her to become more reclusive and she feels lonely and isolated at times. Her cats, Bear Bear and Adah, have kept her company during her struggles with LBD. They have been the constant companionship in her life, and she adores them.

Deborah is determined not to let this disease get the best of her and she continues to fight to live well with Lewy. Since her diagnosis, she has utilized all of the resources LBDA has been able to provide her with. She has learned more about the disorder and faithfully attends LBDA’s weekly Facebook Support Group. She has found comfort in knowing that she is not alone and she has other people to talk to about what she is experiencing. She has found ways to manage LBD and navigate issues associated with the various symptoms. “It’s an outlet for me,” Deborah shares.

Interacting in LBDA Support Groups is a way for Deborah to combat her loneliness, ans also allows her to help others by sharing her own experiences. It’s important to find commonality and create an environment where people feel safe, and where they can relate to one another. LBDA provides that within the support groups we facilitate.

LBDA has created a tight knit community of people who are working to deal with issues that may arise from an LBD diagnosis. We have support groups for those who have been diagnosed with LBD, and other groups for caregivers who need guidance and help. LBD doesn’t discriminate and we continue our mission of helping those affected by LBD and their families to cope, and learn more about the disease, and treatment options.

If you would like to support LBDA’s efforts in providing resources to Deborah and the 1.4 million people affected by this disease, consider donating by clicking here.