Alzheimer’s is one of the best known neurodegenerative diseases its most characteristic symptom being the progressive loss of memory (which occurs gradually), together with the so-called aphaso-apraxo-agnosic syndrome in which losses also occur in the ability to speak, sequence movements and recognition. of stimuli.
There is a lot of fear and suffering caused by this disease, and many of the changes and symptoms experienced by those who suffer from it and/or their caregivers are sometimes not understood by the population. The harshness and fear of this dementia have caused it to often be reflected in different arts, such as cinema. That is why it is interesting to know movies about Alzheimer’s to explore this set of experiences.
There are a large number of films that are based on or deal with the subject of Alzheimer’s disease. All of them are of great interest and usually treat the subject with great respect, although from different areas and genres.
Below we take a brief tour of a dozen of them. Due to their subject matter, most of these feature films are quite hard, but we cannot stop recommending them due to their great quality. Of course, before going directly into it, we warn that some of the elements that are part of the synopses could be considered spoilers.
1. Wrinkles (2012)
Based on a graphic novel of the same name, we start this list with an animated film. The film begins with Emilio being admitted to a nursing home, in which I entered reluctantly and without explaining to us, the viewers, exactly why. There he will meet different residents, among which his roommate, Miguel, will stand out, who is characterized by having unethical practices towards his fellow residents.
Both men end up forging a close friendship despite having several conflicts, gradually discovering the reason why Emilio is in the residence: like other occupants of the center, he suffers from Alzheimer’s. Throughout the story we will witness, in addition to what other patients at the center experience, how our protagonist’s illness will progress and how both he and Miguel react to these changes.
2. Stay with me (2012)
The story that this film tells takes us to New Brunswick, where the protagonist couple lives on a farm. But with age, Irene (the woman) will begin to show symptoms of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s. Her partner, Craig, will make the decision to build a house on her land with his own hands, due to the impossibility of continuing to live on the farm, in order to make Irene’s life easier. But for this he will encounter great difficulties, since the existing laws and regulations do not allow it.
3. Remember (2015)
As we have said, there have been multiple genres that have dealt with the topic of Alzheimer’s. In this case, a thriller. In Remember we observe how Zev (the protagonist), a resident of a nursing home and suffering from Alzheimer’s, decides after burying his wife to escape from said home to seek and take revenge on Rudy Kurlander, a Nazi commander responsible for the death of his family during war.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that generally appears at advanced ages, but in some people it appears early. This is what happens to Alice, the protagonist of this film, that she begins to realize that she has small forgetfulness that are becoming more and more important. Throughout the film we will see how Alice suffers the symptoms of this disease and how she fights to remain herself despite her, trying to live in the moment.
South Korean film that teaches us the story of Mija, who decides to sign up for a poetry workshop despite doubting the possibility of reflecting her being in verses. However, Mija begins to suffer the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s, having to suffer and face her illness at the same time that she must face numerous problems, such as the rape of a girl by her grandson and other boys. It will be through poetry that Mija will be able to express her pain your feelings and emotions.
6. Do you remember love? (1985)
This film tells us how Bárbara, a highly loved and valued teacher, begins to manifest symptoms of Alzheimer’s such as alterations in her mood and small forgetfulness and distractions and even some aggression. This is something that deeply affects her and her husband, and Barbara tries to solve it by placing notes and instructions in different parts of the house in order to counteract memory loss.
Eventually, you receive a notification stating that you have won an award, inviting you to accept it and give a speech. Despite the reluctance of her surroundings due to her illness, she will insist on going and reading a speech that she will prepare with all her effort.
7. Pandora’s Box (2008)
Turkish film that reflects the difficulties and alteration in life that this disease represents both for those who suffer from it and for those around them. The film begins with the disappearance of Nusret (the protagonist), a woman with Alzheimer’s who has gotten lost around her home. After finding her, We will see how the family deals with the situation the measures they decide to adopt and how the woman continues to live despite her illness.
Not all films about Alzheimer’s are as recent as the ones we have seen so far. “On Golden Pond” we find the story of a family in Golden Point, which serves as their summer residence. There they will be visited by her daughter Chelsea, who has never had a good relationship with her father. Little by little we will see how the protagonist suffers the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Noah’s diary (2004)
Although the film itself It focuses more on the love story between the protagonists, this film is closely associated with Alzheimer’s: the story is told by Noa, who is actually reading his diary to his wife. The reason for this: to try to get her, admitted to a nursing home and with advanced Alzheimer’s, to remember her story with him. Throughout the film, we will see scenes that tell us what their romance was like along with moments in which we will observe the couple’s current situation.
10. Caregivers (2011)
We could not close this list without referring to a group that is often left aside when talking about Alzheimer’s and that will also be deeply affected by it: the family and/or caregivers of those who suffer from it. This film/documentary offers us the perspective of different people who act as caregivers and how the disease affects both the patient themselves and those around them.
My Way, A moment to remember, And who are you?, Noel, The bride’s son…There are many more films that deal with this painful disease. We hope you liked this small selection and do not hesitate to suggest others that could be a good representation of the situation experienced by people with Alzheimer’s.
