Shifting Perceptions, Steady Hearts: A Compassionate Look at Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is often one of the least recognized and most misunderstood types of dementia—frequently misdiagnosed or mistaken for other neurological or psychiatric conditions. Individuals living with LBD face complex symptoms including hallucinations, movement changes, sleep disturbances, and fluctuating cognition that demand more nuanced care approaches – and their care partners are right there alongside them providing support.
This session dives into how dementia-sensitive practices can transform the experience of both those living with LBD and their care partners. Through education, storytelling, and advocacy, we’ll explore how stigma, miscommunication, and rushed assumptions can create barriers to person-centered care. This presentation encourages participants to rethink what compassionate dementia care looks like—fostering understanding, emotional safety, and dignity for all those impacted by Lewy body dementia.
Date October 23, 2025
Hosted By WellMed Charitable Foundation
Brandi Hackett, LMSW, C-ASWCM
Brandi Hackett, LMSW, C-ASWCM attained her BA from Shorter College and MSW from the University of Georgia. Since graduating in 2004, Brandi has worked in a variety of settings primarily with older adults. She is currently the Senior Manager of Support Services with the Lewy Body Dementia Association where she supports staff, individuals diagnosed or symptomatic, care partners, and LBDA volunteers. She is published for her article on “Compassion Fatigue” in the Journal for Certified Senior Advisors and has presented multiple CE classes for allied health professionals.