Tags
alzheimers, alzheimers awareness, alzheimers stereotypes, dementia, julianne moore, still alice, younger onset alzheimers
This past week, I had the pleasure of attending a screening of Still Alice followed by a panel discussion organized by our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. I’d seen the film the first day of the wide release, but watching it for the second time was a completely different experience.
The event was sold out, which in and of itself felt like a victory. Just being in that space with so many people united in the dream of a world without Alzheimer’s was overwhelming.
Julianne Moore’s portrayal of Alice is brilliant, no doubt largely due to the careful research she did for the part. Last month, Sandy Oltz, Moore’s personal consultant and inspiration for the film, spoke at the Alzheimer’s Association’s Leadership Summit in Orlando. Sandy was diagnosed with younger onset at age 47. In many ways, she is the real life Alice; educated, accomplished, strong, beautiful, a wife and mother, and living with Alzheimer’s.
Please do not think I am suffering. I am not suffering. I am struggling, struggling to be a part of things, to stay connected to who I once was. So, ‘live in the moment’ I tell myself. It’s really all I can do, live in the moment.
Sandy Oltz
Whether or not to see Still Alice, or when to see the movie and in what setting, is a very personal decision. I had the book on my Kindle for a couple of years before I worked up the courage to read it, and then it was only because I was going to be hearing Lisa Genova speak.
If you have lived the reality of Alzheimer’s disease, this film will be difficult to watch. It will inevitably remind you of moments with your own loved one: moments of anger, frustration, and fear. But it will also bring forth memories of a love the depth of which cannot be described. A love that goes far beyond words into a realm we never knew existed.
Still Alice has the power to change the way the world views Alzheimer’s. This movie represents a breakthrough. Alice is far from the stereotypical Alzheimer’s patient, and the message is simple: Alice Howland could be any of us.
There but for the grace of God go I.
We can only hope that as this powerful film works its way into the mainstream, people are inspired to join the movement to #ENDALZ. Because at the end of the day, it’s really just about love…
This week, I saw both I’ll Be Me and Still Alice. They were very different, but each was spectacular in its own unique way.
Seeing clips from the height of Glen’s popularity, hearing those old hits like Rhinestone Cowboy, Southern Nights, and Wichita Lineman, and watching him play the guitar like nobody’s business on this tour resulted in many smiles from audience members. While his behavior became more erratic and he began struggling with simple tasks, the minute he picked up the guitar, it was pure magic. It was as though he had been transported back to the ’70’s.
Overall, the filmmakers found just the right balance, telling the story in an honest manner, sharing both the ups and the downs. In one scene, Glen and his wife Kim were at the Mayo Clinic, and the neurologist asked the questions we’ve all heard if we’ve accompanied a loved one with dementia to an appointment.
I found Glen’s relationship with daughter, Ashley, especially touching and tender. Their rendition of Dueling Banjos was astounding, and when they finished, everyone watching the film broke into applause – so caught up in the moment that it felt like we were watching the performance live.
Part 1 of 2. Stop back in the coming days for an interview with talented filmmakers J.T. Arbogast and Kimberly Dilts.
We hosted a 
The story begins with Jack (played by Arbogast) on the verge of winning a potentially career-changing contract for his architectural firm. Like so many of us, one minute, life is normal – and then the phone rings, and in a split second the world is turned upside down.
One of the most poignant scenes in the film takes place when Arbogast’s character walks into his Polly’s house, sets his things down, and quietly gazes around the living room. Photographs and reminders of happier days; memories of special times spent with his grandmother over the years whirl through his mind.
The film is set in 
The cast is phenomenal. 
Doc Snyder was portrayed by Green Bank resident, 
If you’re interested in hosting a local screening, 
In closing, let me say that from the cast to the cinematography to the story itself, this film is a winner. Made on a shoestring budget that began with a 
The Long and Winding Road... 