Understanding Lewy Body Dementia with Julia Wood, MOT, OTR/L, Director of Professional and Community Education for the Lewy Body Dementia Association
What is it like living with a condition that affects both your mind and body, yet remains relatively unknown to many? Today, we are shedding light on Lewy Body Dementia, a complex condition that challenges individuals and families in unique ways.
We're thrilled to have Julia Wood, a dedicated occupational therapist who specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s and related dementias. Julia's extensive experience, including her role as the director of Professional & Community Education at the Lewy Body Dementia Association, equips her with valuable knowledge and compassion for those affected by LBD. She’s here to share her expertise and provide guidance on navigating the complexities of LBD care.
In today’s conversation, we’ll explore everything from the symptoms and behavioral changes associated with LBD to practical strategies for communication, safety, and overall well-being. We talk all about the support systems available and look at how families can engage in advance care planning. Plus, Julia will share touching personal stories, shedding light on the resilience and challenges faced by individuals and families navigating LBD. Thank you Julia for sharing your knowledge with us!
Learn more at www.lbda.org
Facebook: @LewyBodyDementiaAssociation​
Twitter: @LBDAssoc​
YouTube: @LBDAtv​
Instagram: @lewybodydementiaassociation​
LinkedIn: @Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc
Listen to our episode HERE.
About Julia Wood
Julia Wood, MOT, OTR/L graduated with her master’s degree in occupational therapy
(OT) from the University of Minnesota after completion of her clinical fieldwork in
neurological rehabilitation from the Mayo Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital campus in
Rochester, Minnesota. Julia has an extensive clinical background in interdisciplinary
care in Parkinson’s disease and related dementias. She served as the lead OT at the
University of Pennsylvania’s Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders Center of
Excellence for ten years where she continues to develop and facilitate community
engagement programs for people with PD and care partners. Julia is currently the
Director of Professional and Community Education for the Lewy Body Dementia
Association and serves as certification and training faculty for the LSVT BIG® program.
Julia has served as faculty for the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Team Training for
Parkinson program since 2016 and served on the Parkinson’s Foundation Rehabilitation
Task Force in 2021. She co-authored the first American Occupational Therapy
Association Practice Guideline for Adults with Parkinson’s Disease in 2022. Julia served
on the steering committee for the 2022 International Lewy Body Dementia Conference
and on the Comprehensive Care Subcommittee for the 2023 World Parkinson’s
Congress (WPC).
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We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.
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*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co., a boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!