What are Lewy bodies? is a new book by award-winning author Alex Winstanley aimed at children aged 5-11. It explains Lewy body dementia in a fun and accessible way, to help the younger generation understand this common but little-known disease.

Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia in older people and is caused by ‘Lewy bodies’, clumps of protein in the brain.

It’s estimated that around 100,000 people in the UK have Lewy body dementia, around 10-15 per cent of those with dementia. It can cause the motor problems associated with Parkinson’s disease, hallucinations and sleep problems, as well as the progressive decline in cognitive abilities found in other forms of dementia.

Alex Winstanley said:

“It has been a privilege to speak with and learn from people impacted by Lewy body dementia. Trying to put their experiences into a child-friendly format was a challenge that I really enjoyed and I loved working on this book – I hope it helps as many individuals and families as possible!”

Ashley Bayston, Chair of The Lewy Body Society and grandmother of 4 said:

“Alex has done it again, explaining a scary and perplexing medical condition that affects not only the person with it but those around them, in a friendly and non-threatening way. He takes the worrying mystery out of the complicated changes in behaviour caused by Lewy body dementia, assuring his readers that the person they love who is now acting strangely still loves them and needs their love.”
Notes to editors

The book can be purchased at www.lewybody.org/shop for £8.99 (including UK P&P) and proceeds from the sales will support the Lewy Body Society’s work funding research and raising awareness.

Alex Winstanley is a best-selling author, teacher and award-winning social entrepreneur from Wigan, England. Through his books, he raises awareness of a range of long-term health conditions, in a positive and supportive way, for children and young people. He is extremely passionate about promoting a diverse and inclusive society where every person is valued and celebrated. Each of his books is inspired by real people, as Alex believes nothing is more important than giving a voice to those with lived experience.

Alex is available for library or school talks. Visit https://www.happysmilestraining.co.uk/ to find out more about his work.