‘Hollywood’ movie sparks dementia conversation
It is expected that a new Hollywood movie, starring a lineup of well known actors, will lead to greater awareness of the ‘enormous’ dementia challenge facing Australia, particularly those experiencing younger onset dementia.
Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee, Julianne Moore, portrays the complicated world of a woman diagnosed with younger onset dementia in the film 'Still Alice'.
The film, 'Still Alice', which officially opened across Australia last week, is based on the bestselling novel of the same name and starring Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee, Julianne Moore, who portrays the complicated world of a woman diagnosed with younger onset dementia.
Alzheimer's Australia chief executive, Carol Bennett, urges Australians to see the film to increase their understanding of younger onset dementia, its impact, and how to support someone with a diagnosis.
“Still Alice is a story that would be very familiar to the almost 25,100 Australians with a diagnosis of younger onset dementia, their families and carers,” Ms Bennett says.
“In highlighting the impact of this condition, Still Alice makes a compelling case for proper support systems and care for those who have received a diagnosis,” she adds.
According to Ms Bennett, actress Julianne Moore’s portrayal of Alice is “outstanding”, and, as the title suggests, it illustrates that even with a diagnosis of dementia, she is still herself.
“Life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis of younger onset dementia and I hope that is what Australians take away from this movie – that with the right support, people can live well with dementia,” she says.
“I also hope this film prompts community leaders and governments across Australia to ensure all forms of dementia, which is already estimated to directly impact on more than 340,000 Australians, are factored into their priorities.”
Alzheimer’s Australia is the charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. Amongst other services, it currently manages the Younger Onset Dementia Key Worker program to give people living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers a primary point of contact for support and access to other assistance.
People wanting information about dementia, or to find out where to get help, can call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
