Regardless of who your primary specialist doctor is (neurologist, geriatrician or psychiatry of later life), these are a list of different healthcare professionals that you may require at different times. Your doctor will refer you to the relevant professional depending on the symptoms you have and their severity. Your family/carer will also need access to these professionals as many of them will provide support for them as well.

• Nurse specialist or Advanced Nurse Practitioner . A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNSp) or Advanced Nurse Practitioner ( rANP) are  registered nurses who work in a particular specialty with an increased/ expanded role to assess and support patients with Lewy Body Dementia. They often work in a Memory clinic with the consultant. They are a first point of contact when issues and questions arise after diagnosis and treatment. They provide education and support to patients and carers.  Some rANP are allowed to prescribe medications and order X-Rays. 
• Community Psychiatric Nurse. These are psychiatric nurses who can visit patients at home or see people in clinics. They can   assess and coordinate treatment particularly the behavioural symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia. They work with the psychiatrist, G.P. and the community mental health services. 
• Public health nurse. The PHN is a vital part of people’s ongoing care in their home. They provide assessment and appropriate care. They can coordinate the provision of support/care workers in the home like health care assistants and home help. They have access to meals on wheels and day care services which may be appropriate. Issues such as pressure area care, safety, falls, continence are part of their role.

The physiotherapist plays an important role in the treatment of motor symptoms. They will provide you with exercises and recommendations that are tailored to your needs and abilities.

The occupational therapist or OT assesses and provides recommendations to help in your daily personal, household and occupational tasks. They can provide equipment to help you in your day to day activities. Many occupational therapies specialise in cognitive assessment and provide coping strategies when memory is a problem.

The Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) assesses and helps manage patients with speech and problems with swallowing. They will make recommendations to you and your doctor and in many cases provide therapies and exercises to help.

Dieticians assess and provide recommendations to ensure your diet is adequate to meet your body and brain’s requirements.

A neuropsychologist has specific training and expertise in the assessment of people with neurological conditions. They may be asked by your doctor to conduct further cognitive testing and provide advice on ways to cope with the difficulties that Lewy Body Dementia pose.

Your local community pharmacist can provide you with advice on side effects of medication you have been prescribed. They can assist in arranging medication to be placed in blister packs for your safety and convenience.

The social worker will provide emotional support to patients and families in adapting to the diagnosis of dementia. They will inform you of all necessary support available to you from financial, equipment and care-related.

The Alzheimer’s association have access to a team of dementia advisors throughout the country. They can be accessed by patients or carers in order to receive advice and practical support on a range of issues.

One of the other specialities your doctor may refer you to is the Palliative care team.

Palliative care looks after people with a variety of conditions, not just for people with cancer who are near the end of life. Conditions like Lewy Body Dementia are very complex and sometimes the symptoms are hard to treat. Symptoms such as pain, nausea, stiffness, hallucinations, dizziness, agitation, sleeplessness are all distressing. Therefore a holistic person-centred approach with specific specialised knowledge can help ease the impact of these symptoms. 

The aim of Palliative medicine is to help people live better lives and when it is their time to die, to be given a peaceful and dignified end. 

This team generally comprises a consultant and a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNSp ) in Palliative Care. They cover both inpatient, outpatient and community care. They also have access to a wider multidisciplinary team and may suggest respite in hospice care if appropriate. They will support the patient and the wider family.