About the Course

Autonomic dysfunction is one of the most common yet underrecognized aspects of Lewy body dementia. In this course, Dr. Shannon Chiu explains how the autonomic nervous system is affected in LBD and how resulting symptoms can impact blood pressure, digestion, bladder function, temperature regulation, saliva production, vision, and sexual health.

Learners will explore practical lifestyle strategies, medication considerations, and symptom-management approaches that can help improve daily function and quality of life. Participants will learn how these sleep disturbances present, how they are identified or diagnosed, and evidence-based strategies to manage them. The session also emphasizes when and how to seek support from healthcare professionals, including discussions around medications and other interventions that may help. This course is designed to empower individuals living with LBD and their care partners with knowledge, validation, and practical tools to improve sleep and overall quality of life.

Course curriculum

    1. Course Introduction & Learning Objectives

    2. About the Presenter: Shannon Chiu, MD

    1. Lesson 1: Description & Learning Objectives

    2. Video Lesson: Understanding Autonomic Dysfunction in Lewy Body Dementia

    1. Lesson 2: Description & Learning Objectives

    2. Video Lesson: Orthostatic Hypotension—Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

    3. Video Lesson: Managing Orthostatic Hypotension in Everyday Life

    1. Lesson 3: Description & Learning Objectives

    2. Video Lesson: Gastrointestinal Symptoms—Constipation and Gastroparesis

    1. Lesson 4: Description & Learning Objectives

    2. Video Lesson: Understanding and Managing Urinary Symptoms

    1. Lesson 5: Description & Learning Objectives

    2. Video Lesson: Managing Drooling, Sweating, Runny Nose, and Dry Eyes

About this course

  • Free
  • 1 hour of video content

Meet Your Instructors

Shannon Chiu, MD

Dr. Shannon Chiu is a movement disorders neurologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. She specializes in Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, with research focusing on early diagnostic biomarkers and imaging-based approaches. Dr. Chiu’s work integrates patient-centered care with scientific innovation to enhance early detection, treatment precision, and overall quality of life for people living with movement and cognitive disorders.