Dr. Alice Howland (Julianne Moore), a linguistics professor at Columbia University, is diagnosed with early onset familial Alzheimer's disease. Familial means your children who have the gene will also develop it. One of her children does have the gene.
Not only did her world suddenly go off kilter, but so did the world of her children and her husband.
The movie touches on real life, and you cannot avoid that. Oh, sure, you can chose to ignore or forget about those who go through this and their families, but it could possibly affect you and a loved one or even you yourself. It is beautifully written and acted and also heart wrenching. I know.
My husband was diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia at age 50.
It is like watching the soul of your loved one disappear slowly, day by day.
You mourn that loss for the person and for yourself.
Loved ones fight anger, not only at God but at the patient and that brings guilt.
You feel sadness, depression and the loss of hope.
My husband died at the age of 56, though I had actually lost him before that.
Everyone should see this movie, those who have dealt with Alzheimer's or dementia
and those who have not. Yes, you will cry. Yes, it will break your heart. And yes, you will understand.
It is something that cannot be swept under the rug and ignored.
We all encounter this and how we handle it is most important of all.
I hope this movie brought you comfort. From scanning through the rest of your posts here It looks like you are creating a vibrant new life. Hope the pains recede soon and you can be taking your hikes and photographs again.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. My wife read the book and saw the movie. If she still has the book I'll read it myself.
ReplyDeleteNetflix says we get the movie tomorrow. We've been eager to see it. My husband's mother died of Altzheimer's, too. I'm sorry for all you've gone through, Rose, but I do believe that writing strengthens our spirits so that we can survive in better condition. Hope you're feeling better, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is a powerful book and movie. Both provided great insight into the suffering and bewilderment that Alzheimer's disease or any dementia or brain injury can bring to the individual as well as family and friends. I mentioned this book and movie in my last blog but examined a slightly different aspect. But you have been through the fire and can share your wisdom. Beautifully said. Alice
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you've said about the book, I haven't seen the movie yet. Very thoughtful post. Barb
ReplyDeletethanks for the insight on the book and movie-my mom died from dementia and so this sounds like it would be insightful
ReplyDeleteI do want to see this Alice. Not sure if hubby could handle it. His mom died from dementia and he has a very tender heart.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
It is such a difficult condition to all those close. My neighbor developed early dementia and went downhill quickly. I hope you are controlling your hip pain. I have avoided the book and the movie due to the number of family members who have had dementia in one form or another. I need to pull my head from the sand.
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, I saw a review of this movie some time back and it looks insightful and heart pulling at the same time. I've known many with this condition and it is so very sad. My mother had a few signs of dementia but passed away before it got out of hand. So I did not see her totally this way and I think God gifted that time for me.
ReplyDeleteI am sure the book is much better then the movie and thank you for the review. Wishing you a special day.
Hugs and Blessings, CM
I have a friend who is going through dementia with her husband, My heart bleeds for you having endured what she is. What a cruel thing to have happen and your husband was so young.
ReplyDeleteDementia is so tough on everyone.
ReplyDeleteUgh. I'm scared to read this book or see the movie. My dad's been diagnosed with dementia, probably Alzheimer's. He's doing really well, but I've read enough to know where it might lead, and I am kind of sticking my head in the sand.
ReplyDeleteUgh. I'm scared to read this book or see the movie. My dad's been diagnosed with dementia, probably Alzheimer's. He's doing really well, but I've read enough to know where it might lead, and I am kind of sticking my head in the sand.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are beautiful. Thank you for stopping by to visit. I am sorry for your husband. Dementia and Alzheimer's are both very hard to deal with. I personally have not had these diseases affect my family, but a close friend had a father that finally passed away due to Alzheimer's and she explained how bad it was to deal with for many years. I have not heard of the movie but I will put it on my list to watch. Alaina
ReplyDeleteHi Rose, I am so sorry to hear that you lost your husband to this terrible disease. I lost my Father to Alzheimer's and it is exactly as you describe it. To see someone you dearly love, lose the essence of themselves and a lifetime of memories, including you, is so painful. Not only that, but the physical and mental exhaustion from caring for them is extremely difficult. It affects families in such far reaching ways. I have not been able to see the movie yet, but I will look for it. Sending hugs xo Karen
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry that you lost your husband at such a young age, Rose. And as you said, you lost the essence of "him" well before that. My heart truly goes out to you. My mom has dementia, though she is in her late 80's. She showed signs of it at least 10 years ago. This movie was one that was playing on our trip home on the plane, but I was too depressed at the thought of watching it. Maybe some day I will. As you say, this is something that sadly affects so many of us, and should not be swept under the rug. Blessings to you!!
ReplyDeleteRose, I am so sorry for what you have been through with your husband's illness and death. My mother has dementia and I just moved her into assisted living - she had been living alone and just wasn't taking care of herself. Getting her to stop driving and getting her to move were very difficult. I have not seen the movie but I've read the book. What a sad thing dementia is; what it does to us/our loved ones.
ReplyDelete