May
25
Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? Living With Alzheimer’s
May 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Posted by: Kathleen Daniel
This heartbreaking and very necessary 30 minute video, Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? tells the stories of five children, ages 6-15, who are coping with grandfathers or grandmothers with Alzheimer’s. Maria Shriver, who’s father has the disease, narrates the segment, saying how much she has learned from watching her kids, and offering them valuable lessons as well, urging them not to blame themselves for what their grandparents do or say. The video is part of the The Alzheimer’s Project, a four-part documentary series, website, and nationwide community-based information and outreach campaign. A stunning statistic flashed on the site when I logged on saying that 54% of Americans are personally touched by Alzheimer’s in some way. I’m one of them and I did find each segment supportive and real, in the sense of highlighting the everyday experiences people grapple with. If you missed the series, HBO is streaming all of them free of charge. The Memory Loss Tapes follows seven people living with Alzheimer’s across the progression of the disease. Momentum In Science tells the state of the science in two parts, with 25 scientists and physicians talking about research advances, and Caregivers highlights the sacrifices and successes of people experiencing their loved one’s slide into dementia.
