Product Details

• Region: All Regions
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B002UZE8S8
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #101,274 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Initiatives that get people with Alzheimer's involved in art and creative workshops are producing remarkably posistive results. Dozen of day care centers, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities are using drawing, painting and museum visits as effective therapies, making it possible to improve the quality of life and restore a dialogue between caregivers and families. Scientists have discovered that the parts of the brain related to emotions and creativity are largely spared by the disease. Today experts recognize the benefits of these new approaches that dramatically change the way we look at the disease. Including the Bonus Tracks: "Organizing an Outing", "Organizing a Creative Workshop", "The Importance of Physical Exercise", "Recreating Social Bonds", "The Hearthstone Method", "The Memory Gardens" and "Art and Care Until the Last Stages". This is an essential DVD for all people who have some relation with the disease, those who want to learn more about non-pharmacological possibilities for dealing with the disease, and institutions exploring methods for patients and residences. Price quoted is for individual/private use only. If you are a college, university or library looking to license this film and/or include in your catalog, please contact Films Media Group to purchase the DVD.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and insightful, Hope for Alzheimer's November 6, 2009

By Sara H. Stephan

This film had a great impact on me. Watching a good friend of my family suffer through this horrible disease, I wish I had known about these new methods sooner. Watching people with Alheimer's suffer and stuggling to connect with them myself is so defeating. When I watched this film, I felt hope. It's amazing how art and these new therapies really do help slow down Alzheimer's and help families and friends reconnect with people with the disease. By going to museums or participating in the arts, people diagnosed with Alzheimer's have a chance to impede the progress of this disease and remain active and vibrant. It's amazing to me, when I watch this film, to know that these people have Alzheimer's. I don't recognize the disease in them. It is such a stark contrast from my visits to the care residences I have come to know. While taking into account the different stages of the disease, it is still hard for me to compare the Alzheimer's patients I have seen in person to those in the movie.

More medication is not the answer. I can attest to the healing power of art in my own life, whatever form it may take, but to see it pervading all walks and conditions just reiterates how important creativity is to the human condition itself. The film does not only focus on painting, music, and drawing, but also describes the importance of exercise for all who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's, not just for those in their later years. There is talk about how important exercise is for you and me. I know I hear it all the time, but this time there is proof that exercise also protects us against Alzheimer's, which is one I haven't heard.

If you know someone with Alzheimer's or are in some way affected by the disease, watch this film. It's never too late to make someone's life a little better.... There are ways to reconnect with those with Alzheimer's and there are ways to slow down its symptoms. This film reminds us not to give up. Read more ›

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars DVD Review July 29, 2010

By Angus

Amazon Verified Purchase

Excellent DVD highly recommend for anyone living with or working with someone with dementia. Practical approaches and activities to build meaningful relationships and meet needs of those with dementia.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent. Never Better. July 1, 2010

By Charles G. Yopst

Amazon Verified Purchase

7/1/2010. Excellent service from Amazon's sub-agent here. Got the order in a few days. Everything is perfect. Rev Dr Charles G. Yopst, D.Min., R.-D.M.T.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A sparkle in their eyes May 7, 2010

By H. Burns

When I think of my mother as her Alzheimer's Disease progressed, I think of her eyes. They became more and more cloudy and distant as her disease progressed. It upset me so much that I never could know what was behind them, or bring them back to life.

I thought of my mother as I watched this film. I was so moved when I saw the eyes of these patients begin to sparkle again as they worked with their brushes and paint. How incredibly wonderful!
What is also so great about this film is that it provides expert commentary and explanation from some of the nation's leading scientific and medical experts on Alzheimer's Disease. The film is emotionally rich and leaves one hopeful. I loved it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, thoughtful April 17, 2013

By Desmond O'Neill

Interesting, thoughtful, and a useful teaching aid in terms of showing ways to access and express personhood in dementia. Nice touch to have the 96 year-old Olivia de Havilland narrate.

Perhaps slightly over-dichotomizes the medical/residential approach versus the creative approach, and the residential homes seem very well-staffed and appointed in international terms - a state of affairs that we should all be advocating for!

A very minor reservation is the slightly off-beam focus on the amygdala in terms of preserved emotions - we are much more than our amygdala! The Procrustean urge to narrow neurological localization is a relic of Victorian neurology and needs reining in...

Overall recommended for lay, caring and professional viewing.