'It might help somebody else get an earlier diagnosis': Kildare woman will run in VHI Women's Mini Marathon 2026 to raise awareness for Lewy Body Dementia

A County Kildare woman to run VHI Women's Mini Marathon 2026 in aid of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

The challenge is being is being undertaken by Emma Woods, a 22-year-old who is currently studying Early Childhood Education in Maynooth University. 

Speaking to the Leinster Leader, Emma revealed that her grandmother was recently diagnosed with LBD.

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According to the HSE, this type of Dementia is caused by small clumps of protein, known as Lewy bodies, forming in nerve cells of the brain.

These Lewy bodies can result in symptoms such as hallucinations, confusion and uncontrollable shaking.

And although it is a very common form of Dementia, not many people know about it — Emma explained: "Prior to her [grandmother's] diagnosis, I hadn't heard of LBD."

Echoing the HSE's available information on the condition, she said: "It is one of the most common types of dementia, however, it is [also] the least known and researched type."

As a result of this surprising and concerning revelation, Emma is now motivated to not only raise money for the charity Lewy Body Ireland, but to also raise awareness about the condition itself.

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FAMILY MOTIVATION

When asked what specifically inspired her to choose running in the 2026 Mini Marathon in order to raise awareness for LBD, Emma said: "Growing up, my Mam and her sisters had done the Mini Marathon to raise funds for a hospice, and with it being such a high profile event, it would help with the fundraising as more people know about the marathon [compared to LBD]."

She also told the Leader that she has been going on regular runs with her co-workers, and with their help, she aims to improve her speed in the upcoming run.

In addition, Emma revealed that while she will not be running as part of a team, she clarified that the Mini Marathon groups together people together who run for the same charity.

"I hope I can meet the other people running for LBD on the day," she said. "I’m feeling a bit nervous for the Marathon as I’ve never done one before, but I’m also excited to experience it."

SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS

Elaborating further on LBD, Emma pointed out that there were "specific symptoms" that her and her family were unaware of which relate to this specific condition — more so than other types of dementia — and she hopes that raising awareness about it "might help somebody else get an earlier diagnosis".

She further said: "We as a family are at the very start of this journey, but we were surprised to find out how little is known about LBD is, given how many people in Ireland suffer from it."

Emma concluded by stressing the following point to the general public: "Education is key, as LBD is the most commonly misdiagnosed type of Dementia."

Anyone who wishes to donate to Emma's fundraiser for Lewy Body Ireland can do so by visiting her idonate.ie page.

Furthermore, anyone who wishes to learn more about this charity can visit its official website at https://lewybodyireland.org/.

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