When beginning to research this, I was surprised how many movies about this subject there are. Still Alice has been all over the media, and it is a brilliant film, but we should not forget that there are many more. I think it’s great that there are movies like this out there as they raise awareness and give people easy access to the topic. This is definitely not a top list, but five suggestions if you have been wondering what to watch tonight. (And are in the mood for a rather thoughtful and sad movie)
The Savages (2007)
The siblings Jon and Wendy (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney) do not get along. They are nevertheless forced to leave that behind when their father is diagnosed with dementia. He has never cared for them but they are the only ones left to care for him.
Away From Her (2007)
Married for almost 50 years, Grant's (Gordon Pinsent) and Fiona's (Julie Christie) commitment and love to each other appears unwavering. Everything changes after Fiona gets diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She checks into a care home to avoid being a burden on Grant when her memory loss gets worse. There she meets another man who she begins to develop a strong friendship with. Grant is hurt and jealous and the movie truly portrays the couple’s struggle to accept the “new normal” they are confronted with. Away from her was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress.
Iris: A Memoir of Iris Murdoch (2001)
Based on the book Elegy for Iris by John Bayley, this movie tells the true story of English novelist Iris Murdoch who lived with Alzheimer's disease. Her struggle and the unconditional love of her partner Bayley are in the center of the story.
Aurora Borealis (2006)
Donald Sunderland plays a grandfather with dementia who requires more care than his wife (played by Louise Fletcher) can handle. They get help from a nurse (Juliette Lewis) and their son (Joshua Jackson) who start a romantic relationship.
Age Old Friends (1989)
John Cooper is in a retirement home. There are strict rules for the residents, but he refuses to fall into passivity. His friend Michael starts showing signs of dementia. When John's daughter extends her offer to live with her again, he must decide between leaving the rigid structure of the retirement home and staying to help his friend cope with his disease.