I am going to produce an informative and eye opening documentary that looks into the different ways that Alzheimer’s effects people; rather than this singular stereotypical view of what an Alzheimer’s patient is like. I want to look at the different stages of the disease: from the tests and diagnosis to the eventual deterioration and patients who are now living in a care home. The documentary will include interviews and information from patients, the families, and importantly, professionals in the field. I am aiming to film in the North Wales/Bangor area but will travel further afield if necessary. I do have personal ties and experience with the disease, as my grandmother suffers from ischemic and degenerative Alzheimer’s and is currently residing in a care home specifically for Alzheimer’s sufferers – which are where I got a lot of my inspiration for producing the documentary.
Personal:
Through watching my grandmother change from a stern, funny, family orientated woman to a person who cannot even string a sentence together, I believe I owe it to her and every other Alzheimer’s sufferer and family members of those whose loved ones are effected by the disease to create a documentary informing the nation about the process of testing and diagnosis to what is essentially, the deterioration and effects of the disease.
I visit my grandmother every week or other week in Leyland, who have a brilliant care team looking after about ten Alzheimer’s patients. After a few visits, I noticed that each patient was effected by the disease so differently, from my quiet but content grandmother, to people with quick and unprovoked mood swings, the inability to physically say real words and even the constant repetition of certain phrases/words. I’ve met some lovely people who suffer from the disease and they have really inspired me to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s, there is so much more research that needs to be done! The sad fact is Alzheimer’s is more common than most of us realise, and it’s on the rise as we’re living longer.
I find it fascinating that this disease can and does physically change your brain, and consequently; the personality of the person afflicted with the disease. It’s a horrible thing and so hard to see somebody you care about stare at you so blankly. Knowing they are there in body but not in mind. Now, so far this is just my basis of my own experiences but I will be expanding on this. My sister, Louise Lockwood has a Masters degree in Psychology and studied in Bangor University. After studying Alzheimer’s and having relevant contacts with industry professionals I should be able to set up some professional insight interviews to give the facts, reliably. I do want to film this in North Wales, obviously if I have to travel to visit some care homes/day centres then I will, my aim is to create a hard-hitting documentary that will show you what it’s really like to suffer from Alzheimer’s, or to know somebody who does. From start to finish, beginning to end.
If anybody would like to help out with this production, has any useful information or contact details relevant to the documentary email me at lockwoof@uni.coventry.ac.uk or comment below. If you would like to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s society please follow the link below. Thank You.
fionalockwoodyr1 