What is My Story of Alzheimer’s Disease and how did it come about?
My Story of Alzheimer’s Disease is an award-winning short documentary featuring 5 diverse caregivers and a compassionate psychiatrist who express the fear, heartbreak, and isolation that are part of caring for a loved one living with dementia. The film offers an uplifting message, focusing on the love that underlines their journeys and that gives them the strength to go on with meaning and purpose, even after their loved one has passed. The purpose of this inspirational and informative film is to educate the public and raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and Alzheimer’s caregivers. It is also to give comfort and support to anyone who has cared for someone they love.
Who initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
I was inspired to produce My Story of Alzheimer’s Disease after my experience as a caregiver for my mother, Joan, during her long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. It was during this time that I became acutely aware of how uninformed people are about Alzheimer’s disease. I was shocked to hear comments from people, such as “She’s not really sick” or “She’s happy. Count your blessings.” I truly believe they were trying to comfort me, but their information was so inaccurate. My mother suffered greatly, and she was not happy. She was terrified.
I would ask myself “Where are these ideas about Alzheimer’s disease coming from?” There isn’t enough information about Alzheimer’s disease available to the public. And, many people don’t know the whole story of what it is like to care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. It was from this inception that I decided it was time to tell that story—and I began work on this very special film.
How does My Story of Alzheimer’s Disease fit into your overall body of work?
My work as an artist includes more than 50 years as an actor and 22 years as an acting teacher and coach. For me, acting has always been about raising awareness and spreading compassion through storytelling. I started my company, My Story Films®, with the same goal, particularly telling stories of the underserved to increase awareness and spread compassion. My Story of Alzheimer’s Disease is our first film and it is a very personal one because I produced it, co-directed it, and appeared in it.
How has My Story of Alzheimer’s Disease been received?
We have received amazing feedback from caregivers and health care professionals, much of which can be found on our website.
This work is dedicated to: My parents Joan G. Plumridge and Joseph K. Plumridge
Find more from My Story Films® on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. My Story of Alzheimer’s Disease is available on Amazon Prime, iTunes, and Google Play.
