Exploring Knowledge and Awareness of Lewy Body Dementia Among Staff in Long-Term Care Facilities

Orla Keane,1 Rachel L Fitzpatrick,1 Sharon Walsh,2 JP Connelly,3 Iracema Leroi1,3 1School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; 2Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; 3Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, IrelandCorrespondence: Iracema Leroi, Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, Tel +353 858600291, Email [email protected]: To assess the current level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding Lewy Body dementia (LBD) among staff of all grades within long-term care (LTC) facilities.Methods: An anonymous online survey was developed, consisting of three sections assessing demographics, LBD knowledge, attitudes and practices. Questions were informed by analogous studies and were adapted following a trial phase. The survey was disseminated to all grades of staff members working in LTC facilities across the Republic of Ireland. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used to examine participant knowledge and attitudes, while a multivariable regression analysis is run to examine the drivers of knowledge.Results: 8.7% of people working in LTC facilities had never heard of LBD before. Staff in management positions and activity coordinator positions had a higher LBD knowledge score in comparison to non-clinical staff. Directors of nursing (DONs), assistant directors of nursing (ADONs) and clinical nurse managers (CNMs) were able to name more than one dementia subtype more frequently than other staff members. Vascular dementia was the most known dementia subtype outside of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Activity coordinators and directors of nursing reported a higher level of comfort caring for residents with LBD, were more satisfied in their job role, and felt sufficiently trained to care for residents with different types of dementia. Over 75% of respondents were willing to undergo specialised LBD training.Conclusions and Implications: The findings support further role-specific, and practical LBD training for all LTC staff. Interdisciplinary training and knowledge-sharing across job roles may enhance team cohesion, and the willingness of staff to engage in training is promising.Plain Language Summary: Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a challenging type of dementia. It causes changes in thinking, movement, and mood that make it particularly complex and upsetting to manage. Despite being the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, it often goes unrecognised by both the public and healthcare professionals.We wanted to find out how well staff working in long-term care (LTC) facilities in Ireland understand LBD, and how confident they feel caring for people living with it. To do this, we created an online survey for staff across all roles—from nurses and activity coordinators to cleaners and administrators.The results highlighted how knowledge and confidence around Lewy body dementia varys across different staff roles. Nearly one in ten staff had never heard of LBD at all, while managers and activity coordinators showed the strongest understanding and confidence in supporting residents. Encouragingly, most participants said they wanted more training, showing enthusiasm to learn and improve care.This study is the first of its kind in Ireland, shining a light on a gap that can—and should—be addressed. With better education and shared knowledge between staff at every level, residents with LBD could receive more personalised, informed, and compassionate care. The enthusiasm for learning among LTC staff offers real hope for making that happen.Keywords: lewy body dementia, knowledge, awareness, care homes, long term care facilities