Neuropsychological Review
The Changing Self in Alzheimer’s Disease: a Personal Perspective Through “Still Alice”
Daniel G. Smith, M. S. (Contact )

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) can be called the “ultimate thief” insofar as we define ourselves as “the sum of our combined experiences” (Wolfson, 2008). In Still Alice (based on the fictional book I’m Still Alice by neuroscientist Lisa Genova), Julianne Moore gives a stellar portrayal of Alice, a strong woman who must face a life with early-onset (familial) Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A woman who defines herself by her intellect and strong facility with language must adapt to the many existential dilemmas and at the center, a fundamental loss of self that arises with this chronic, progressive, and at present, incurable condition.

A doctor discovers a new medication that helps revive his catatonic patients, allowing them a chance to experience life once again.

Dr. Malcolm Sayer learns of a new medication called L-Dopa that he believes will help revive his patients who suffer from a Parkinson's- like  condition caused by encephalitis. Dr. Sayer tests his hypothesis on Leonard Lowe, a patient who has been in a catatonic state for thirty years. The drug proves to be a success with Leonard and so the drug is administered to all the other catatonic patients at the hospital. While the new medication allows Leonard and the other patients a second chance at experiencing life, it also brings some unexpected challenges. Leonard must now cope with his romantic feelings for a visitor at the hospital, the restrictions on his freedom as a patient, as well as a gradual decline in the effectiveness of the treatment.

Two prominent musicians divorce their spouses and get married, only for one to develop Alzheimer’s disease, causing pain and struggle for both of them.  

When Martin, a talented and famous composer in his late-fifties, meets Barbara, the beautiful first violinist ten years his junior, it is love at first sight. All is bliss for the newlyweds, until five years later when Martin suddenly starts to experience small memory slips, which aggressively progress. Rapidly, Barbara finds herself helplessly watching her once brilliant and loving spouse turn into someone who does not even know who she is. A Song for Martin dives deep into the denial, sadness, and struggle experienced by the person with Alzheimer’s disease, and the grief, depression, and desperation experienced by their caregiver. 

Neuropsychological Review Alzheimer’s Disease: Ruling Out Other Options
Mallory Sykes, Kristen Focht, and Reed Vennel    


En Sang for Martin (A Song for Martin) is a  film that presents a compelling, but tragic story of how painful and far-reaching Alzheimer’s disease can be….

A man struggles over the fact that his wife, who has been institutionalized for Alzheimer’s disease, is now in love with another man in the care facility. 

Fiona Anderson has just been admitted to Meadowlake long term care facility for probable Alzheimer’s disease.  For the first 30 days , Fiona is not allowed any visitors, including her husband of 42 years, Grant.  After "the adjustment" period is over, Grant is eager and nervous to see how his wife is coping.  What he finds is that Fiona’s dementia has progressed to the point where she does not recognize nor remember him and instead has transferred her affections to another patient, Aubrey. Grant struggles with sacrificing his love for Fiona, so that Fiona may find happiness.