The 10 best movies about Alzheimer's

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 syndrome afaso-apraxo-agnosic in which there are also losses in the ability to speak, the sequencing of movements and the recognition of stimuli.

There is a lot of fear and suffering caused by this disease, and many of the changes and symptoms that those who suffer from it and/or their caregivers live are sometimes not understood by the population. The harshness and fear of this insanity have often caused it to be reflected in different arts, such as cinema. That is why it is interesting to know Alzheimer's movies Let them explore this set of experiences.

• Related article: "20 films about Psychology and mental disorders"

Ten movies about Alzheimer's

There are a large number of movies that are based on or deal with the subject of Alzheimer's disease. All of them are of great interest and tend to treat the subject with great respect, although from different fields and genres.

Below we make 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 high quality. Of course, before going directly into it, we warn you 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 he reluctantly enters and without explaining to the spectators exactly why. There he will meet different residents, including his roommate, Miguel, who is characterized by having unethical practices towards his roommates.

Both men will end up forging a close friendship despite having several conflicts, discovering little by little the reason why Emilio is in the residence: like other occupants of the center, he suffers Alzheimer's. Throughout history we will witness, in addition to what other patients in the center experience, how our protagonist's disease will progress and how both he and Miguel react to these changes.

• You may be interested in: "Types of dementias: the 8 forms of loss of cognition"

2. Stay With Me (2012)

The story told by this film transports us to New Brunswick, where the main couple lives on a farm. But with age, Irene (the woman) begin to show symptoms of dementiaspecifically 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 life easier for Irene. But for this he will find himself with 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 subject of Alzheimer's. In this case, a thriller. In Remember we observe how Zev (the protagonist), resident in a nursing home and suffering from Alzheimer's, decides after burying his his wife escape from said residence to seek and take revenge on Rudy Kurlander, a Nazi commander responsible for the death of his family during the war.

4. Always Alice (2014)

Alzheimer's is a disease that generally appears at an advanced age, 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 little forgetfulness that are becoming more and more important. Throughout the film we are going to see how Alice suffers from the symptoms of this disease and how she struggles to remain herself despite her, trying to live in the moment.

5. Poetry (2010)

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 the verses. However, Mija begins to suffer from the first symptoms of Alzheimer's, having to suffer and face her disease at the same time that he must face numerous problems, such as the rape of a girl by his grandson and other guys. It will be through poetry that Mija will be able to express her pain, the feelings and emotions of her.

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 forgetfulness and even some assault. It is about something that deeply affects her and her husband, and to which Barbara tries to solve by placing notes and instructions in different parts of the house in order to counteract her memory loss.

Eventually, a notification reaches him stating that she has won an award, inviting him 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 efforts.

7. Pandora's Box (2008)

Turkish film that reflects the difficulties and the alteration in life that this disease entails 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 in the surroundings of 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.

8. At the Golden Pool (1981)

Not all Alzheimer's movies are as recent as the ones we've arranged so far. "In the 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 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 her diary to her wife. The reason for this: trying to make her, admitted to a residence and with advanced Alzheimer's, remember her story with him. Throughout the film, we are going to see scenes that tell us about their romance together with moments in which we will observe the current situation of the couple.

10. Caretakers (2011)

We could not close this list without referring to a group that is often left aside when talking Alzheimer's and who will also be deeply affected by it: the family and/or caregivers of those who suffer. This film/documentary offers us the perspective of different people who act as caregivers and how the disease affects both the patient himself and those around him.

My Way, A moment to remember, And who are you?, Noel, The son of the bride... There are many more movies that deal with this painful disease. We hope you liked this small selection and do not hesitate to propose others that could be a good representation of the situation experienced by people with Alzheimer's.