June is Pride Month where we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. As the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia continues to rise, so does it within the LGBTQ+ community. However, caregivers and people living with dementia are less likely to seek community support and medical care due to fear of discrimination for their sexual orientation. They are also more likely to experience social isolation, compared to other older adults.
In order to promote early detection and brain health, expanding education and representation is key. Film can be an excellent opportunity to show representation and in 2020, Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci starred in the raw, emotional film “Supernova”. In it, Firth and Tucci, take a journey across the country as they face a dementia diagnosis head-on.
Dementia is a disease that impacts anyone — regardless of sexual orientation. Representing that through the arts is an opportune way to encourage anyone impacted to seek support and raise awareness within the community. Having the validation that you’re not alone on a dementia journey can be liberating for so many caregivers.
This month, celebrate Pride month, by watching the deep love of Tucci and Firth as they embark on their journey navigating a dementia diagnosis and making the most out of life together.
