Acclaimed producer and director Scott Kirschenbaum understands memory loss: “Though those with Alzheimer’s might forget us, we as a society must remember them.” 

One of the ways we can do that is by making this merciless thief somewhat familiar to ourselves and each other. 

In other words, we must cast this villain into the spotlight so that we all might recognize it, as much as we struggle to understand or accept it.

Our team is committed to supporting your loved one and also your family as you move forward into this strange land where unpredictability is the norm.

This blog post will hopefully provide an opportunity to host an at-home movie night or a solo screening, whichever is called for, in the hopes that you will recognize that your loved one is in good company when it comes to an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. 

1. Still Alice 

Directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, this film follows Dr. Alice Howland, a renowned linguistics professor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The story captures her struggle with the diagnosis and its impact on her professional and personal life, including her relationship with her family. Julianne Moore’s performance as Alice garnered critical acclaim and earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

2. The Father (2020)

Florian Zeller’s powerful drama stars Anthony Hopkins as Anthony (yes, really), an aging man dealing with dementia. The film is notable for its unique narrative structure, which reflects the disorienting experience of dementia. Olivia Colman plays his daughter, Anne, who is trying to balance her own life while caring for her father. Hopkins’ portrayal of Anthony earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

3. Away From Her (2006)

Based on Alice Munro’s short story “The Bear Came Over the Mountain,” director Sarah Polley focuses on Julie Christie as Fiona, a woman who begins to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and decides to enter a care facility. The story explores the evolving relationship between Fiona and her husband Grant (Gordon Pinsent) as they cope with her memory loss and the emotional complexities it brings.

4. Iris (2001)

This biographical film directed by Richard Eyre portrays the life of British writer Iris Murdoch, focusing on her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The film alternates between her early years, where she is depicted by Kate Winslet, and her later years, played by Judi Dench. The narrative highlights the profound impact of the disease on her intellect and marriage to John Bayley (Jim Broadbent).

5. Amour (2012)

This French film tells the story of an elderly couple, Georges and Anne, who face the challenges of aging when Anne suffers a stroke that leads to progressive dementia. The film is a poignant exploration of love, commitment, and the realities of caregiving. Emmanuelle Riva and Jean-Louis Trintignant deliver powerful performances as the central couple under the direction of Michael Haneke.

6. The Notebook (2004)

This popular movie, based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel by the same name, “The Notebook” deals with the theme of Alzheimer’s disease through the character of Allie Hamilton (played by Gena Rowlands as an older woman and Rachel McAdams as a young woman). The film, directed by Nick Cassavetes, depicts the enduring love between Allie and her husband Noah (James Garner and Ryan Gosling) as they navigate her memory loss.

7. The Savages (2007)

Director Tamara Jenkins delivers this dark comedy-drama starring Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman as siblings Wendy and Jon Savage, who must take responsibility for their estranged father (Philip Bosco) after he develops dementia. The film explores themes of familial obligation, guilt, and the complicated emotions involved in caring for a parent with a degenerative condition.

As Life Goes On offers boutique style assisted living facilities as well as our Respite Care – Caregiver Relief Program, an incredible resource for any family who is helping a loved one navigate the challenges inherent in an Alzheimer diagnosis. 

whose loved one is struggling with challenging conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s. 

You’re not alone; we’re here to help. Please contact us when you’re ready to learn more about our facilities and services.