May 24, 2026
We’re pleased to highlight a recent article by Colin Regan, a Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) Atlantic Fellow, published in The Irish Times. The piece, “Lewy body dementia: It starts very slowly and just creeps up and you don’t even know it’s happening,” offers a powerful and deeply human insight into the realities of living with this often under-recognised condition.
Through personal stories from EMERALD’s PPI team, the article illustrates how Lewy body dementia can develop gradually, with subtle early symptoms that are often difficult to identify. It highlights the challenges many families face in seeking a timely and accurate diagnosis, with estimates suggesting that thousands of people in Ireland are living with the condition but only a small proportion receive correct diagnosis.
At its core, the piece centres lived experience: capturing the emotional, physical, and practical realities of caring, as well as the profound impact the condition has on individuals and families. It also underscores the importance of improving awareness, education, and diagnostic pathways for Lewy body dementia.
This article is an important contribution to public understanding, showing how storytelling and journalism can play a vital role in bringing visibility to overlooked conditions and amplifying the voices of those affected.
Read the full article: https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-wellness/2026/01/28/lewy-body-dementia-it-starts-very-slowly-and-just-creeps-up-and-you-dont-even-know-its-happening/
