Top 7 Movies on Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disorder that is fairly common among seniors. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 5.5 million Americans were living with this disease in 2016. Caring for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging. Des Moines home care providers discuss a few movies that highlight the struggles of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and the challenges their caregivers may face.

Still Alice

Alice is a confident, accomplished, and highly educated woman. However, her world is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Still, Alice shows how Alzheimer’s disease can turn an otherwise perfectionist into someone who is in need of constant care. The film won several awards and was appreciated by fans and critics alike.

Memories of Tomorrow

Most of the movies on Alzheimer’s disease are told from a third person’s perspective. However, this Japanese movie places viewers in the shoes on Mr. Saeki, a man who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. Right from the diagnosis to the medical treatment, the movie offers a tearful account of a man who loses his fledgling professional career to Alzheimer’s disease.

Away from Her                       

This Canadian movie went relatively unnoticed upon its release, but it did end up winning critical acclaim for its story and amazing performances. The film is based upon a novel, and it involves a woman named Fiona who slips into Alzheimer’s disease. As her disease progresses, she starts to lose her memory to the point that she can’t even recognize her husband. If you want to understand how Alzheimer’s disease progresses and affects seniors, consider watching this movie.

Iris   

Alzheimer’s disease can impact communication abilities and speech. Iris perfectly captures the later stages of this disease and how it impacts seniors. The story revolves around a British woman who worked as a communicator all her life, only to end up losing her passion for Alzheimer’s disease. Watching a successful, confident woman turn into a barely mobile old lady is painful, but this is exactly the type of performance film critics are sure to remember.

Poetry

                                     

As a sexagenarian, Mija develops Alzheimer’s disease and turns to poetry to stave off cognitive decline. The Korean film explores the theme of art and music and brilliantly captures the journey of a woman dealing with the inevitable. The lead actress won several awards for her performance, and the film went on to become one of the best movies on Alzheimer’s disease of all time.

A Separation   

Unlike other films on Alzheimer’s disease, this Iranian film not only focuses on seniors with this disease, but it also highlights the challenges their caregivers have to face. The story revolves around a couple on the verge of divorce and the girl’s father who has Alzheimer’s disease. The cinematography is excellent, and the film explores a variety of topics, ranging from religion, family, culture, traditions, justice, and the role of women.

Wrinkles

This Spanish animated movie tells the tale of Emilio, a retired banker who develops Alzheimer’s disease. He reluctantly moves to an assisted living facility, where he meets seniors going through the same conditions as him. The film puts the viewers in shoes of an elderly man dealing with inevitable cognitive decline, and it beautifully illustrates the perils of aging.