ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: FACING THE FACTS is a new one-hour documentary (release date: January 1, 2009; APT Exchange) that examines the personal and societal implications of the illness, while reviewing the latest research as scientists search for a cure. Through profiles of families living with Alzheimer’s and interviews with 15 doctors and researchers from across the country, the documentary studies how this overlooked disease is threatening to bankrupt the American health system, economy and spirit. Emmy award-winning actor Edward Herrmann serves as the narrator.
The documentary takes a heart-breaking look at families whose lives have been devastated by Alzheimer’s disease. Earl Towner’s first symptoms of Alzheimer’s appeared when, as a lifelong member of the Alaska National Guard, he attended a formal military function and wore his rank pin on the wrong side of his uniform jacket…an unimaginable mistake for a career military man. Now he and his wife Lyn have moved to a small, close-knit community where she can better care for his advancing needs. Calvin Hackney first noticed an issue with his wife Thelma when, after years as an excellent cook, she kept making mistakes in the kitchen. Like many partners, he reasoned her forgetfulness was simply a natural part of aging, but soon it became clear the situation was more serious. Don Deines knew his father died of Alzheimer’s disease, but he never imagined he would suffer the same fate. Now his wife Judy has taken early retirement to care for him.
Through every personal story profiled in ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: FACING THE FACTS, you see not only the effects of the disease on the patient, but also the toll it takes on the family members left as caregivers.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: FACING THE FACTS is distributed nationally by American Public Television (APT). Underwriting support: MetLife Foundation Producer: Motion Inc. Presenting Station: Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) Co-Producers: Glenn Orkin & Carol Edwards Director/Editor: Glenn Orkin Writers: Carol Edwards & Glenn Orkin Assistant Director: Ed McKeon Narrator: Edward Herrmann Executive-in-Charge (CPTV): Larry Rifkin Executive Producer: Carol Edwards Publicity Contact: Lee Newton, CPTV, (860) 275-7285, lnewton@cptv.org.