LEWY BODY DEMENTIA DRIVE ACROSS AMERICA

INCREASING AWARENESS OF LEWY BODY DEMENTIA

Bill & Barbara Hutchinson

Bill and Barbara Hutchinson spent a year traveling across America to increase awareness of Lewy Body Demetia (LBD), from April 2006 to April 28, 2007.  I drove a Motor Home and towed  a Saturn Vue.  I spoke at approximately 130 organization as we traveled across America.  Bill attended all meetings where I spoke.  Lewy Body Dementia Drive Across America has come to the end of its road at this time as Bill is now too ill to travel.

We, also, visited with other caregivers of LBD persons.  We met some of the most wonderful people in the world in the caregivers.  

LBD is the second leading cause of dementia, second only to Alzheimer's disease.  LBD affects approximately 800,000 people in the United States, of which, up to 75% are misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, REM sleep disorder, Restless legs syndrome, and many others.

The three core features of LBD are 1. Parkinson's symptoms, 2. Hallucinations, 3. fluctuations in cognitive thinking.

This was truly a great adventure, a time for Bill and I to have a year together.  At present we are no longer traveling. Bill is very ill and unable to care for himself any more.  He was declining rapidly the last month we were on the road.  He needs 24/7 care, and needs assistance with all ADL's.

We are staying with our daughter, Karen, in Fort Myers Florida.  She and her family have, generously, opened her home to us.  We are able to work together  with them to give Bill the necessary care, and provide special extras.

While we are in Fort Myers, I plan to begin speaking to Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Senior Citizens, and other organizations to continue increasing awareness of LBD.  

You may contact by e-mail at: bbhutch44@yahoo.com

Cell phone: (239) 220-1806

LBDA contact: lbda@lbda.org

LBDA website: www.lewybodydementia.org

Thank you for checking out our website.

Barbara Hutchinson