Dementia Documentary Series
Dementia and Living Well
Over 6 million people are living with a type of dementia in the United States without a cure. Research for a cure is important, but what about those living with the disease now? Dementia and Living Well features diverse people in Virginia and across the country who are living well with a form of dementia. Experience how they navigate both their everyday lives and how they are change-makers in their communities. We explore a nationwide network of new paradigm organizations that partner with and support them. It's not easy but understanding that it is possible to live well living with a form of dementia is important for the millions of families and loved ones that are living with it every day.
Alzheimer’s: What You Can Do
Alzheimer’s: What You Can Do delves into the research that shows how our social interactions, diet, sleep exercise, stress levels and daily health habits have dramatic effects on our cognitive abilities as we age. With scientific data and personal stories about holistic treatment approaches, this film explores the discoveries that are changing the medical profession’s view of dementia.
Revolutionizing Dementia Care
Revolutionizing Dementia Care reveals how people living with dementia can still live a full and meaningful life based on their abilities, not their disabilities. Innovative approaches in memory care communities have shown improvements in the well-being of residents as they're included, engaged and supported in social gatherings and everyday activities.
Alzheimer's: The Caregiver's Perspective
In Alzheimer's: The Caregiver's Perspective, caretakers share their diverse experiences of caring for loved ones in the world of dementia. A variety of caregivers, family members and professionals explain how they creatively navigate the frustrations, sorrows, and complications of caring for a loved one who needs support.
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Dr. Paul F. Aravich, Ph.D.According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, creativity is at the pinnacle of being human. As such, the human brain is a creative brain, which makes the arts a brain thing. -
Scientifically we know that stress, especially economic stress, increases brain-aging. In the situation of dementia, it increases confusion, behavioral problems and impairs cognitive functioning. If the stress is related to basic needs people are fighting this fight without the basic resources that they need to survive.
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As we age, we occasionally find ourselves questioning the cognitive abilities of ourselves or our loved ones. Researchers have recently shown that we can implement simple, everyday practices to potentially forestall the onset of Alzheimer’s and other related forms of dementia. Learn more about the positive lifestyle changes that are effective and available now that may help change your life story going forward.
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Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia disproportionately impact communities of color, specifically the African-American community. African Americans are twice as likely to develop dementia, when compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. While the full details of this stark disparity are unknown, there are key contributing factors for consideration.
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Real life adventures are proven to be the best way to experience different worlds, but virtual reality glasses can offer equal access to a variety of places not easily accessible. It’s a tool that can also assist in helping staff make connections with people living with Alzheimer’s. Residents at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay try it out.
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Revolutionizing Dementia Care reveals how people living with dementia can still live a full and meaningful life based on their abilities, not their disabilities.
Dementia Resources:
National
Dementia Care Practice Recommendations/Alzheimer's Association
Medicare’s Coverage of Neurological Disorder Treatments
National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Virginia
Alzheimer's Association Greater Richmond Virginia
Alzheimer's Association Central and Western Virginia
Caregiver Resources
Alzheimer's Caregiver's Workshop: Resources
Alzheimer's Association: 2024 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures
Virginia Navigator's Family Caregiver Learning Center
National Institute on Aging: Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease Guide
Books related to "Alzheimer's: What You Can Do"
The End of Alzheimer’s: The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline [Dale E. Bredesen, MD]
The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias [Gayatri Devi, MD]
Super Genes: Unlock the Astonishing Power of Your DNA for Optimum Health and Well-Being [Rudolph E Tanzi, PHD and Deepak Chopra, MD]
Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs and Sugar—Your Brain’s Silent Killers [David Perlmutter, MD with Kristin Loberg]
Brain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking, Deeper Relationships, and Lasting Happiness [David Perlmutter, MD and Austin Perlmutter, MD]
The Alzheimer’s Solution: A Breakthrough Program to Prevent and Reverse The Symptoms of Cognitive Decline at Every Age [Dean & Ayesha Sherzai, MD]
I’m Still Here: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer’s Care [John Zeisel, Ph.D.]
Downloads
- "Revolutionizing Dementia Care" Discussion Guide
- 10 Ways To Love Your Brian
- 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
Recommendations by Jacquelyn Pogue, Series Creator:
About
What can we, as individuals, do about Alzheimer’s? Over 6 million people are living with a type of dementia in the United States with no immediate sign of a cure through pharmaceuticals alone. VPM’s four-part documentary series regarding dementia explores how person-centered care and lifestyle changes can improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia.
The documentaries are distributed through American Public Television (APT) to public television stations nationwide.