The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc announce an exclusive partnership on the production and release of a disease education adaptation of Robin’s Wish, a documentary detailing the late actor Robin Williams’ battle with the neurodegenerative disorder, Lewy body dementia (LBD).
The film, SPARK – Robin Williams and his Battle with Lewy Body Dementia, will go beyond describing LBD through the lens of Williams’ personal experience and delve into the neurobiology of the disease and associated symptoms to help educate the medical community on the second most common form of degenerative dementia.
Lewy body dementia is also the most misdiagnosed dementia, and healthcare provider education is needed to enable early recognition, diagnosis and treatment.
Adaptation Aims to Educate
While the full-length film is available on demand and via digital channels, the adaptation will be available to major academic research institutions and universities as part of educational programming and outreach to healthcare professionals, the LBD community and general public. The film will be available starting in late October, a media release from LBDA and Acadia Pharmaceuticals explains.
“Robin Williams unknowingly battled LBD and unfortunately, he is not alone. This version of the documentary will not only raise awareness of Lewy body dementia, but reinforce the importance of early symptom recognition, diagnosis and effective management of this devastating disease, and can serve as a key element in our educational offering.”
— Todd Graham, Executive Director, Lewy Body Dementia Association
In addition to cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions and changes in behavior, are also common with Lewy Body Dementia.
“The use of scientific storytelling is an important opportunity to increase knowledge within the medical community on the need for better diagnostic and disease management solutions. Our goal is to ensure people struggling with LBD get the comprehensive support they need.
“We are honored to partner with the LBDA and share a commitment to shine a light on the challenges that people with Lewy body dementia and their caregivers face.”
— Ponni Subbiah, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Acadia
[Source(s): Lewy Body Dementia Association, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, Business Wire]
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