ISU Department of Communication Disorders hosts Alzheimer’s Awareness Film Screening

Image Courtesy of Illinois State University

NORMAL, Ill. – The Department of Communication Disorders hosted a film screening on Tuesday at the Normal Theater in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association about the effects of Alzheimer’s.

Event Organizer Tricia Larkin spoke on why they chose to focus on Alzheimer’s, some of the preconceived notions of the disease and key takeaways from the film.

“Our department has provided free public films over the last three years,” Larkin said. “Here in our speech and hearing clinic, we provide care to individuals with dementia and our coursework addresses that growing need in our aging population.”

They showed the film “Taking Care,” which is a 30-minute documentary following the journey of a daughter learning to care for her mother’s advancing Alzheimer’s condition. 

Larkin also mentioned how one of the big takeaways of the film was that Dementia starts much sooner than many people think. She says taking preventative actions earlier in life can push back the cause of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

“…people begin to experience changes in their brain around age 30, but those changes don’t express themselves until 50, 60, 70,” Larkin said. “So one of the messages in the film and in the conversation with Alzheimer’s Association representatives and our faculty was that people need to be doing things in their 20s and 30s to prevent the onset of Dementia and Alzheimer’s.”

The event also looked at the ramifications Alzheimer’s has on those around the disease.

 “They talked about some of the things that should become available and advocated for policy change so that those resources can be available, not just for the person with Alzheimer’s, but the family members who care for them.”

Resources for Alzheimer’s care can be found on the Alzheimer’s Association official website.