Still Alice is a film about how being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease shattered the life of Dr. Alice Howland and her family. She was a highly esteemed linguistics professor, known for her bright personality and remarkable intellect. Eventually, Dr. Howland began to forget things that she used to be able to recall without hesitation. Everyday tasks, such as her morning jogs, following a recipe, and just getting to the bathroom became a challenge. Her career fell apart with her deteriorating state, though the scariest part for her was how it affected her family. Dr. Howland was diagnosed with familial Alzheimer's, a type of the disease that can be genetically inherited. This meant that her children had a chance of getting the disease as well.
The film accurately depicts the symptoms that one with Alzheimer’s would likely experience. For instance, loss of memory may lead to repeating oneself numerous times, such as when Dr. Howland introduces herself to her son’s girlfriend on a few different occasions. It also portrays the confusion of one’s surroundings, even in a familiar place. Dr. Howland starts to feel lost while jogging on the campus where she works each day. At one point, she even feels lost in her own home and is unable to find the bathroom in time. The film also shows the increased agitation in one with Alzheimer’s. As her condition worsens, Dr. Howland argues with her family more, responding angrily to even small disagreements. Still, her relationship with her family remained strong, showing the importance of having patience for those with the disease.
I found this film to be very moving, especially because I can relate to it. My great-grandmother had Alzheimer’s. I remember visiting her at the nursing home and talking to her even though she couldn’t respond due to the disease, but my nana told me that she heard every word I said. My nana has dementia, which has similar effects to Alzheimer’s. She might repeat something or forget what someone said to her, but she does plenty of things to keep her mind active. She loves word games, baking, or just sitting on the deck and talking about life. Family is very valuable to her too, and this movie shows how important it is for people with Alzheimer’s or any similar disease to be surrounded by loved ones who are caring and patient with them.
As Dr. Howland mentioned in her speech, people with Alzheimer’s are often looked at as less capable than others, and their impairments may even be seen as comical and something to joke about, but the disease is no laughing matter. They may lose some of their physical and mental abilities, but on the inside, they’re still a human being deserving of just as much love and respect as anyone else. The best thing you can do is simply sit down and have a conversation with them because even if they can’t respond, they’re listening.
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