Dementia with Lewy Bodies Training Course

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is a complex and often under-recognised form of dementia. It can present with a combination of cognitive, physical, sleep, and psychiatric symptoms that fluctuate from day to day, making diagnosis and care particularly challenging. For health and social care professionals, understanding DLB is essential to ensure safe, compassionate, and effective support.

This free Lewy Body Dementia online course provides a clear and practical introduction to Dementia with Lewy Bodies. It explains how DLB differs from other dementias, how it progresses, and how professionals can support individuals and families through person-centred, evidence-informed care.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

DLB is frequently misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, which can lead to inappropriate treatment and increased risk of harm. Staff awareness plays a crucial role in improving outcomes and quality of life.

This free course will help you to:

• Understand DLB clearly: Learn what Dementia with Lewy Bodies is and how it affects the brain.
• Recognise key symptoms: Identify early signs, fluctuations, hallucinations, movement difficulties, and sleep problems.
• Differentiate conditions: Understand the differences between DLB, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Reduce risk: Learn why some medicines can be harmful for people with DLB.
• Support daily living: Apply practical strategies to improve wellbeing, communication, and safety.
• Support carers: Understand the impact of DLB on families and how to signpost appropriate support.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define Dementia with Lewy Bodies and explain how it differs from other types of dementia.
• Describe how Lewy bodies affect brain function.
• Identify early and core symptoms of DLB, including cognitive fluctuations and hallucinations.
• Understand movement, sleep, and autonomic symptoms associated with DLB.
• Explain how DLB progresses and how symptoms can vary day to day.
• Recognise challenges in diagnosing and treating DLB.
• Identify treatments used to manage symptoms and medicines that may cause harm.
• Apply person-centred approaches to support people living with DLB.
• Use communication, environmental, and risk-reduction strategies in care settings.
• Understand the challenges faced by families and carers and the support available in the UK.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies Training Course Outline

Module 1: Understanding Dementia with Lewy Bodies
This module introduces Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). It explains what DLB is, how it differs from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and the role of Lewy bodies in the brain. Learners gain a clear foundation for understanding the condition.

Module 2: Key Signs and Symptoms
Learners explore the main signs and symptoms of DLB, including early indicators, cognitive fluctuations, visual hallucinations, movement difficulties, sleep problems, and autonomic symptoms such as dizziness and falls. The module highlights how symptoms can vary between individuals.

Module 3: Progression and Impact
This module looks at how DLB progresses over time and why symptoms can change from day to day. It examines the impact of DLB on daily living, independence, and overall wellbeing, helping learners understand the lived experience of the condition.

Module 4: Diagnosis and Treatment
Learners explore how DLB is diagnosed and why diagnosis can be challenging. The module covers treatments used to manage symptoms, medicines that may be harmful for people with DLB, and the important role of multidisciplinary teams in care and treatment planning.

Module 5: Supporting People with DLB
This module focuses on practical, person-centred approaches to care. It includes communication strategies, environmental adjustments, and ways to reduce risks such as falls, supporting safety, dignity, and quality of life.

Module 6: Supporting Families and Carers
The final module looks at the challenges faced by families and carers supporting someone with DLB. It outlines the types of support available in the UK and highlights the importance of carer wellbeing, information, and ongoing support.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care professionals supporting people with dementia.
• Care assistants, support workers, and nurses.
• Care home staff and managers.
• Allied health professionals and community staff.
• Students and learners preparing for roles in dementia care.

No specialist prior knowledge of DLB is required. The course is accessible while providing depth for experienced practitioners.

FAQ

What does the course cover?
The course covers the definition, symptoms, progression, diagnosis, treatment, and support needs associated with Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

Is this course relevant to UK practice?
Yes. The content reflects UK dementia care guidance and health and social care practice.

Is the course practical?
Yes. It focuses on recognising symptoms, reducing risk, and applying person-centred support strategies.

How long does the course take?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 1 hour to complete.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is planned.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies can be challenging for individuals, families, and professionals alike. With the right knowledge and approach, staff can reduce risk, improve quality of life, and provide more confident, compassionate care.

Join this course today and strengthen your understanding of Dementia with Lewy Bodies.