DEMENTIA DOCUMENTARIES
"FACING ALZHEIMER'S: AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE"
Produced by: TMK Productions, Inc.Hosted by: National Public Radio personality Richard Steele.
"The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is a major decision, especially from the African American community, we are a proud people and when I say that I mean that we're used to taking responsibility for each other."
-Documentary: Facing Alzheimer's: An African American Perspective
" 'Facing Alzheimer's: An African American Perspective'
examines the challenges many African-American families face today as they try to deal with this difficult and often misunderstood disease. Hosted by National Public Radio personality Richard Steele, 'Facing Alzheimer's' features interviews with doctors, caregivers, patients, church groups, support organizations, as well as home health and long-term care providers. The documentary delves into the symptoms, cultural issues and community resources that are available to those coping with this debilitating disease." TMK Productions are distributed to PBS through American Public Television.
source:aptonline.org
Find out more about the documentary "Facing Alzheimer's: An African American Perspective"
"ALIVE INSIDE"
Produced And Directed by: Michael Rossato-Bennett"Alzheimer’s and dementia are a reality for an increasing and often unseen population. Though well intentioned, many nursing homes are not equipped to fully meet the needs of these residents. We are left with several questions without any real or comforting answers: How do I want to age? What can we do for our loved ones? Can we do better? "Alive Inside" investigates these questions and the power music has to awaken deeply locked memories. The film follows Dan Cohen, a social worker, who decides on a whim to bring iPods to a nursing home. To his and the staff’s surprise many residents suffering from memory loss seem to “awaken” when they are able to listen to music from their past. With great excitement, Dan turns to renowned neurologist Dr. Oliver Sacks, and we follow them both as we investigate the mysterious way music functions inside our brains and our lives." source:ximotionmedia.com
The aim of the documentary "Alive Inside" is to promote personalized music programs in nursing homes and as a legitimate form of music therapy to help care for seniors with dementia. Find out more about "IPOD Music and Memory" Program which the documentary "Alive Inside" is based on.
Find out more about the documentary "Alive Inside"
"MY FATHER, MY BROTHER AND ME"
Produced And Directed by: Dave Iverson and Michael SchwarzGreat DVD to |
"In 'My Father, My Brother, and Me', Iverson sets off on a personal journey to understand the disease that has taken such a toll on his family. Along the way, he meets some remarkable people--a leading Parkinson's researcher whose encounter with 'frozen' heroin addicts led to a major breakthrough; a Parkinson's sufferer given a new lease on life by an experimental brain surgery; and a geneticist who helped identify some of the gene mutations responsible for Parkinson's and who is now working on drugs to fix them."
source: amazon.com
Find out more about the documentary "My Father, My Brother, and Me"
"TRACY AND JESS: LIVING WITH EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMERS"
Directed by: Directed by: James Dreyer.Great DVD to |
When dementia is diagnosed at 30 and 40 years old...
"Of the millions of people living with Alzheimer's disease, only 5 to 10 percent develop symptoms before age 65. Experts estimate that some 500,000 people in their 30's, 40's, and 50's have Alzheimer's disease or related dementia. "Tracy & Jess: Living with Early Onset Alzheimer's" is the amazing story of two women diagnosed with the disease at early ages. The film focuses on the challenges and triumphs of Tracy, Jess, and their families."
source: amazon.com
Find out more about the documentary “Tracy & Jess: Living with Early Onset Alzheimer's.”
"I REMEMBER BETTER WHEN I PAINT"
Directed By: Eric Ellena and Berna Huebner.Great DVD to |
This is an essential DVD for all people who have some relation with the disease, those who want to learn more about non-pharmacological possibilities for dealing with the disease, and institutions exploring methods for patients and residences. Including the Bonus Tracks: "Organizing an Outing", "Organizing a Creative Workshop", "The Importance of Physical Exercise", "Recreating Social Bonds", "The Hearthstone Method", "The Memory Gardens" and "Art and Care Until the Last Stages".
Initiatives that get people with Alzheimer's involved in art and creative workshops are producing remarkably posistive results. Dozen of day care centers, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are using drawing, painting and museum visits as effective therapies, making it possible to improve the quality of life and restore a dialogue between caregivers and families. Scientists have discovered that the parts of the brain related to emotions and creativity are largely spared by the disease. Today experts recognize the benefits of these new approaches that dramatically change the way we look at the disease.
source: amazon.com
"THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT"
Produced By: HBO Documentary, The National Institute On Aging at The National Institutes of Health, John Hoffman, Maria Shriver.Great DVD to |
“The Alzheimer's Project" is a four part documentary series. The first part entitled, "The Memory Loss Tapes" looks at seven individuals living with Alzheimer's and the progression of the disease. "Momentum In Science" looks at the laboratories and clinics of leading scientists and physicians and the cutting-edge research advances. "'Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?" by Maria Shriver expresses what it is like to be a child or grandchild of someone with Alzheimer's. "Caregivers" shows the sacrifices of people who go through the experience of having a family member with dementia.
Find out more about the documentary "The Alzheimers Project."
"THE 36-HOUR DAY: A FAMILY GUIDE TO CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH ALZHEIMER DISEASE"
Produced by: Video Press - Med School Maryland ProductionsGreat BOOK to |
“An excellent introduction to Alzheimer's disease and to the nationally acclaimed best seller, "The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss in Later Life." Peter V. Rabins, MD, MPH introduces Alzheimer's through one family's experience providing a framework to better visualize the reality faced by caregivers.” source: videopress.org
Find out more about the documentary "The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People with Alzheimer Disease."
"THERE IS A BRIDGE"
Produced by: Michael Verde.Great BOOK to |
“The film ‘There Is a Bridge,' explores the deep, complex nature of human solidarity by weaving together mental health, psychology, art, philosophy and education to highlight individuals and path-breaking programs reaching out to elders affected by Alzheimer's disease.”
source: memorybridge.org
WATCH MORE VIDEO and find out more about the documentary "There is a Bridge."
"WITNESSING DEATH: A GRANDSON'S REFLECTIONS ON ALZHEIMER'S"
Directed by: David RosenthalWATCH FREE VIDEO BY CLICKING ON IMAGE!
“Witnessing Death: A grandson's reflections on Alzheimer's” is a short video piece made by medical student David Rosenthal about the death of his grandfather Kurt Rosenthal from Alzheimer's disease.”
source:amazon.com
Find out more about the documentary "Witnessing Death: A grandson's reflections on Alzheimer's."
"THE FORGETTING: A PORTRAIT OF ALZHEIMER'S"
Directed by: Elizabeth Arledge. Produced by: Elizabeth Arledge, Naomi S. Boak, Whitney Johnson.Great DVD to |
This Emmy award-winning documentary looks at the growing epidemic of Alzheimer’s disease. The 90-minute documentary covers the history and biology of the disease and the experiences of Alzheimer's patients and caregivers, as well as the race to find a cure. Its based on David Shenk's best-selling book. The original program that aired on PBS was followed by Alzheimer's: The Help You Need, a half-hour program hosted by David Hyde Pierce, which featured top Alzheimer's experts from around the nation offering advice on coping with Alzheimer’s disease.
WATCH FULL VIDEO of "The Forgetting: A Portrait of Alzheimer's," at PBS.
"MEMORY FOR MAX, CLAIRE, IDA AND COMPANY"
Produced and Directed by: Alan King.Great DVD to |
“In ‘Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company,’ Allan King brings us close to the people who reside and work in a home for geriatric care in this beautifully conceived, powerful documentary. For four months, King follows the daily routines of eight patients suffering from dementia and memory loss; the result is searing, compassionate drama that can bring to the viewer a greater understanding of his or her loved ones.”
source:amazon.com
WATCH VIDEO of "Memory for Max, Claire, Ida and Company,"and find out more.
"ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: FACING THE FACTS"
Directed and Produced by: Glenn Orkin and Carol Edwards.Narrated by: Edward Herrmann.
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““Alzheimer’s Disease: Facing the Facts” is a new one-hour documentary that examines the personal and societal implications of the illness, and the latest research. Through profiles of families living with Alzheimer’s and interviews with doctors and investigators on the front lines, the documentary shows how this overlooked disease threatens to crush America's health care system, and spirit.” WATCH VIDEO and find out more about the documentary “Alzheimer’s Disease: Facing the Facts.” |
Great DVD to |
"COMPLAINTS OF A DUTIFUL DAUGHTER"
Produced and Directed by: Deborah Hoffmann."What's a daughter to do when her mother asks: "How exactly are we related?"
Source:imdb
“The first time my mother asked me how exactly is it that we were related I was really shocked. I didn't know what to say. I was ashamed to just say I'm your daughter. I was afraid that if I did, it would upset her terribly to realize that she had forgotten. So I made a guessing game and I gave her some clues. Eventually I gave her enough clues that she got it and she said, 'Oh, you mean I'm your mother!' Then she thought for a moment and added, 'I never thought of it that way before.' - Deborah Hoffman.
With profound insight and a healthy dose of humor, Complaints Of A Dutiful Daughter chronicles the various stages of a mother’s Alzheimers Disease and the evolution of a daughters response to the illness. The desire to cure the incurable - to set right her mothers confusion and forgetfulness, to temper her mother’s obsessiveness - gives way to an acceptance which is finally liberating for both daughter and mother.
Complaints Of A Dutiful Daughter is far more than a story about Alzheimer’s and family careers. It is an exploration of family relations, ageing, the meaning of memory, and the tenacity of love."
Find out more about the documentary “Complaints Of A Dutiful Daughter.”
"LIFE PART 2 - THE NEW FACE OF ALZHEIMER'S"
Produced by: PBS.Great BOOK to
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"Host Robert Lipsyte, an Emmy winner and former New York Times columnist, uses his tough-minded journalistic instincts, ever-ready wit, and very strong opinions to ensure that baby boomers overcome their denial and face facts: the time to do something about age-related issues is right now."
source: pbs.org
Find out more about the series "Life Part 2 - The New Face of Alzheimer's."
"GRACE"
Produced by: Video Press - Med School Maryland Productions."Grace” is an Emmy award-winning documentary.
“This classic program follows seven years in the life of Grace Kirkland and the inspirational caregiving efforts of her husband, providing a documentation of Alzheimer’s disease from near the time of diagnosis until death. Tracking Grace from the first stage of the disease where she’s already having short-term memory problems, the program continues to document as she loses her ability to speak and finally her ability to walk and eat.”
source: videopress.org
Find out more about the documentary "Grace."
"MALCOLM AND BARBARA LOVES FAREWELL"
Directed By: Paul Watson.A Controversial moment of death is filmed in “Malcolm And Barbara Loves Farewell."
“In 1999, after four years filming, ITV's 'Malcolm and Barbara: A Love Story' won critical acclaim for the moving account of how Malcolm and Barbara Pointon's happy lives were turned upsidedown when Malcom developed Alzheimer's. Eight years on, following Malcolm's death, a sequel to the film, 'Malcolm and Barbara: Love's Farewell' was shown on ITV1.
The documentary chronicles Malcolm's last moments as he slipped into a coma - he died three days later.
There was criticism that these private moments were filmed but Barbara disagrees. She said: 'If he had been able to speak, Malcolm would have said, 'go for it'. Throughout his life he believed decisions must be based on the greatest good for the greatest number."
Source:itv.com
Find out more about the documentary "Malcolm and Barbara: Love's Farewell."
"FORGETFUL NOT FORGOTTEN"
Directed and Produced by: Chris Wynn.“Forgetful Not Forgotten” is an intimate portrait of a family coming to grips with the realities of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. When John Wynn is diagnosed with the disease at the relatively young age of 57, his son, Chris, decides to chronicle his family’s journey to John’s final days.
An honest, moving, and at times heartbreaking film, “Forgetful Not Forgotten” weaves past and present to both celebrate the man who was and mourn his painfully slow and steady disappearance.
As much as this is a film about the changes Alzheimer’s brings to a patient’s life, it is even more about how this impacts on family and friends."
source: forgetfulnotforgotten.com
Find out more about the documentary "Forgetful Not Forgotten."
"CAN GERRY ROBINSON FIX DEMENTIA CARE HOMES?"
Produced by: BBC."…so the work of turning Summervale into a home began - the staff got rid of their uniforms, started eating with the residents and set about filling up the stark empty spaces with distractions such as dolls, toys and other everyday objects. Gerry noticed an immediate impact, not only on residents, but on the staff too. It was fascinating to see how quickly these small changes took hold.”
“Gerry Robinson and I set out to highlight some of the difficulties facing the industry and examine the general level of care that prevails in many care homes throughout the country - often with shocking results.” –Dinah Lord, Executive Producer.“
source:BBC.com
Find out more about the documentary "Can Gerry Robinson Fix Dementia Care Homes?"
"IT'S NOT A DISGRACE…IT'S DEMENTIA"
Produced by: Why Documentaries. Illawarra Ethnic Communities Council. Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care. Alzheimer's Australia."Too many people still view people with dementia as though they were going crazy. Families are often embarrassed, ashamed or unable to cope with the illness."
source: Why Documentaries
"A series of four DVDs for the Ukrainian, Arabic, Portuguese and Serbian Communities on dementia. Symptoms of dementia and early intervention are discussed. The documentary is in Portuguese with English subtitling. Subtitling/voice overs possible in other languages."
source:whydocumentaries.com
Find out more about the documentary "It's Not a Disgrace…It's Dementia."
"QUICK BROWN FOX: AN ALZHEIMER'S STORY"
Directed by: Ann Hedreen, Rustin Thompson.“About the Title:
The title and opening sequence of the film comes from the old typist's test line, "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog." As we see those words repeated over and over again on an old teletype machine, we are introduced to the unnerving pattern of Alzheimer's Disease, which often begins with symptoms like repeating the same story or phrase over and over again… and goes on, like a broken teletype, to thoroughly mangle and jumble the brains of its victims.”
source: quickbrownfoxfilm.com
“This powerful and poetic film combines a moving family journey with an insightful look at the science and politics of Alzheimer’s—a disease that now affects more than 18 million people worldwide. Hedreen’s uncompromising pursuit of possible causes and potential cures takes her from the copper mines of her mother’s childhood home in Butte, Montana to an Alzheimer’s research center in Washington where she volunteers as a research subject—with humorous and humbling results. And her fascinating interviews with prominent doctors and researchers offer insight into the fickle politics of funding and recent controversies surrounding stem-cell research. Interweaving super-8 home movies, 1950s medical films and heartbreaking interviews with her family, Hedreen’s timely film bravely confronts the disease that has mangled the mind of her once beautiful and brainy mom, and raises profound questions about just how important our memories are.”
source: roninfilms.com.au
Find out more about the documentary "Quick Brown Fox: An Alzheimer's Story."
"JOURNEY OF NO RETURN"
Produced By: ABC Australia.“Since Alzheimer’s disease was first documented, waves of dementia roll through the generations. About 200,000 Australians are sufferers now; by 2050 the number is expected to exceed 700,000. Within a decade, dementia will be Australia’s number one disability. The national dementia bill is now $6 billion a year and rising.”
source:abc.net
"This moving documentary looks at the impact of dementia on sufferers and their families. It follows three people with dementia over a period of 12 months.
“They knocked me right over”, sobs Daphne distraught. “I haven’t got anybody”. A routine trip to the bathroom has gone awry and nothing will console her. But her husband, Jack, has vowed to look after her “to the end”. He brings her fresh muffins, wipes away her tears and hugs her tenderly. 'You’re my lady and always have been,' he whispers."
source:journeyman.tv
Find out more about the documentary "Journey of No Return."
"PLANNING FOR HOPE"
Directed and Produced by: Susan Grant and Cindy Dilks.Frontotemporal dementia effects a mostly younger population...
My name is Susan, and I suffer from a disease of the Frontotemporal lobes (FTD). Instead of going silently into that good night, my caregiver Cindy and I have dedicated two precious years of what remains of my life to creating a film, "Planning for Hope." Bold and arresting and still in the works, it is aimed at unveiling the truth about Frontotemporal Disease, addressing the surrounding issues and controversies, and offering hope to those affected.”source: ftdtheotherdementia.com
“With unprecedented access inside the mind and life of a patient (Susan) coping with Frontotemporal Disease (FTD), “PLANNING FOR HOPE” is a documentary and examination of the disease offering a unique look into lives of patients and families effected by FTD.”
source: Academy of Molecular Imaging.
Find out more about the documentary "Planning for Hope."
"10 MOUNTAINS 10 YEARS"
Produced and Directed by: Jennifer Yee.Back Light Productions.
“Chronicling the worldwide epic created by mountain climber Enzo Simone. 10 Mountains 10 Years is a movie that follows his international team of mountain climbers as they scale 10 of the greatest peaks in the world to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. 45 vertical miles. 7 countries. 6 continents. 2 diseases. And one decade. Focusing on Mt. Kilimanjaro, the film tracks the greatest advances happening in the medical community alongside the team's endurance at altitude. Over 92 million people worldwide have a family member battling Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Disease. This is a story of hope and of common everyday people coming together to change this world and leave something better behind. A collaboration with the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation and the Focus On a Cure Foundation for Parkinson's, proceeds from the movie go towards medical research and caregiver programs.”
source: backlightproductions.com
Find out more about the documentary "10 Mountains 10 Years."
"APHASIA - THE FILM"
Produced and Directed by: Carl McIntyre, Jim Gloster."In the spring of 2010 over 200 professional filmmakers and actors joined forces to chronicle the struggles of Carl McIntyre in the narrative short film Aphasia. Written and directed by Carl's close friend Jim Gloster, Aphasia is a double dose of reality in which Carl stars as himself, giving a compelling and nuanced performance. This life-affirming film puts the audience in the seat of the stroke on an emotional and even humorous ride as Carl navigates the world that is his new "normal." In addition to creating a narrative work of art, the film also raises awareness about aphasia and gives hope to those whose lives are affected by this disorder. The film has received acclaim on the international film festival circuit and has been shown as part of Carl's presentations to Speech-Language Pathology students, stroke survivors and their families, neurologists and other interested groups."
source:aphasiathemovie.com
Find out more about the documentary "Aphasia-TheFilm."
"YOUR LOOKING AT ME LIKE I LIVE HERE AND I DON’T"
Produced by: Scott Kirschenbaum, Shane Boris.“The first documentary about Alzheimer’s disease filmed entirely in an Alzheimer’s unit told from the perspective of an Alzheimer’s patient.”
source:yourelookingatme.com
WATCH VIDEO and find out more about the documentary
"Your Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don’t."
"AMANDA'S CHOICE"
Produced by: CBC“While most sufferers of Alzheimer's are over 65, ‘Amanda's Choice’ looks at a rare form of the disease. As the story unfolds, Amanda witnesses the rapid decline of her mother, Susan, who is only 39 years of age. Fearing she could meet the same fate within 15-20 years, Amanda faces the wrenching dilemma when offered a gene test that can conclusively determine her own destiny. New treatments and preventative measures are explored offering hope for Alzheimer's patients in the future.”
source:cbclearning.ca
WATCH VIDEO and find out more about the documentary "Amanda's Choice."
"THE LONG GOODBYE"
Produced by: Gina Twyble.“THE LONG GOODBYE" follows the journeys of three families living with dementia as they struggle to maintain the identity and dignity of those they love. Filmed over a 3 year period, the documentary celebrates the capacity of the human spirit to search for meaning and hope when the end is known and inescapable.”
courtesy: roninfilms.com.au
Find out more about the documentary “The Long Goodbye."
"WHEN THE MIND FAILS: A GUIDE TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE"
Produced By: Films Media GroupPeople with Alzheimer’s disease usually live at home, cared for by family members—who, like the patient, may be feeling uncertain and scared. But authoritative information can help ease the fears and concerns. This program is a step-by-step Alzheimer’s primer for caregivers and patients alike, divided into the following sections: First Signs, Diagnosis, Middle Stages, Getting Organized, Coping, Day to Day, Last Stages, and Hope for the Future, a segment highlighting the newest genetic research. A combination of case studies and medical insights, this documentary is a vital tool in coming to terms with Alzheimer’s.
source: Films Media Group.
Find out more about the documentary "When the Mind Fails: A Guide to Alzheimer's Disease."
"ALZHEIMER'S: MY MOM, OUR JOURNEY"
Produced and Directed By: Julie Meisner Eagle.A documentary about one American family coping with the magnitude of a fatal disease. The story is seen through the eyes of Gloria and her three children as they experience first hand the devastating effects an incurable illness has on a family.
source: gloriajean.org
Find out more about the documentary "Alzheimer's:My Mom, Our Journey."
"BEYOND MEMORY: A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT DEMENTIA"
Directed and Produced by: Sharon Bartlett and Maria LeRose.This documentary highlights Canadians with dementia.
“'Beyond Memory: A Documentary About Dementia,” is an intimate revelation of what it's like to live with dementia, or to love someone with this disease.
The five individuals and families profiled in the film offer an essential lesson about living each day. Elaine, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at just 47, works to keep her brain active, and becomes the first known Canadian with Alzheimer's to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. A 1950s rhythm & blues star, 82-year-old Milton can't remember the words to songs but can still show off the dance moves that first attracted his wife, Ruby. George gave up his job and moved home when his mother's memory failed. He patiently reminds her of all the important details in her life, save one: Alberta's forgotten she has Alzheimer's. Gord, a former Revelstoke maintenance supervisor for CP Rail, works closely with his wife, Claudia, to make plans for his future. And, suffering from a rare and fast-moving form of dementia, 57-year-old Dede has pretty much had her memory wiped clean. Yet, when her husband, Gerry, enters the room, she smiles. Her connection to him has survived her memory.”
source:National Film Board of Canada
Find out more about the documentary "Beyond Memory: A Documentary About Dementia."
"ALZHEIMER'S ADVOCATES: REMEMBERING THE CAREGIVERS"
Produced by: WXEL, South Florida Today.PART 1
PART 2
PART 3
Find out more about the series "ALZHEIMER'S ADVOCATES: Remembering the Caregivers."
"UNDERSTANDING DEMENTIA FILM SERIES"
Produced and Directed by: Kate Sturgess, Alistair Briggs.Great BOOK to
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A Caregiver Speaks about Dealing with Lewy Body Disease |
"This is the story of five carers. Ordinary people, from very different backgrounds, who found themselves in the position of carer of a husband, wife, brother, sister, father or mother who has developed dementia. They talk about the desperate position they found themselves in – how their once certain life paths were turned upside down as they had to cope, often with little or no help, with being entirely responsible for the every need of their loved-ones who were increasingly unable to look after themselves. They talk of the sadness and frustration which accompanies this disease. Of the often erratic and unpredictable behaviour of the sufferers, of their guilt at rising feelings of resentment – of their sadness as they watch a loved-one 'disappear' bit by bit. Of their fear of the future. And then they talk about finding SPECAL (Approach), who offered them a way to understand dementia in a way that allowed them to help the sufferer remain contented, despite what was happening to them and to understand how they, as carer could cope with the demands the situation placed on them."
source:understandingdementiafilm.wordpress.com