More Than a Memory: An Alzheimer's Documentary

Summary

The video script tells the story of Doris Aubuchon, born in 1925, who experienced a fulfilling life as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer's, her spirit remains strong. The script explores the challenges and myths surrounding Alzheimer's, including the impact on families and the importance of understanding the disease's progression. It features interviews with Doris's family and a nurse specializing in geriatrics, discussing symptoms, coping mechanisms, and the role of medication in managing the condition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Doris Aubuchon, born in 1925, was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to seven children, 21 grandchildren.
• 💑 Doris was married to Ken Ulman, and their family life was filled with love and support.
• 👵 Doris's granddaughter shares her earliest memories, highlighting the strong bond and the help Doris provided in raising her.
• 🏠 Doris now resides in Stonebridge nursing home, where her spirit remains strong despite cognitive challenges.
• 👩‍⚕️ Jenna, an RN specializing in geriatrics, explains the importance of assessing patients' abilities and safety, particularly regarding falls and elopement.
• 🧠 The script discusses Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing its patient-specific nature and the variability in symptoms presented.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Doris's daughter reflects on her mother's life, noting the changes and the impact of Alzheimer's on their family dynamics.
• 🙏 The family's strong religious and musical background is highlighted as a source of comfort and a reflection of Doris's personality.
• 👨‍🔬 Ken Naaman, Doris's son, shares his perspective on the disease, noting the common myths and the emotional impact on the family.
• 💊 The script mentions medications like Namenda and Aricept, which are used to delay the progression of Alzheimer's, but not to cure or reverse it.
• 🤝 The importance of family support is underscored, showing how it can help individuals with Alzheimer's maintain a sense of identity and connection.

Q & A

What is the name of the main character in the movie script?

The main character in the movie script is Doris Aubuchon.

In what year was Doris Aubuchon born?

Doris Aubuchon was born in 1925.

How many children did Doris Aubuchon have?

Doris Aubuchon had seven children.

What is the name of the nursing home where Doris currently lives?

Doris currently lives in the Stonebridge nursing home.

What is Jenna's profession and how long has she been a nurse?

Jenna is an RN and she has been a nurse for 15 years.

What is the term used to describe the act of patients with dementia leaving their homes without permission?

The term used to describe the act of patients with dementia leaving their homes without permission is 'elopement'.

What does TLS stand for in the context of caring for elderly patients?

TLS stands for toileting, locomotion, and safety, which are activities used to assess the capabilities of elderly patients.

What is the relationship between Doris and the person who mentions teaching and having conversations with her mother?

The person who mentions teaching and having conversations with her mother is Doris's daughter.

What is the name of the medication used to delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease mentioned in the script?

The medications used to delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease mentioned in the script are Namenda and Aricept.

What is a common myth about Alzheimer's disease that is addressed in the script?

A common myth about Alzheimer's disease addressed in the script is that it can affect people at any age, and it's not just an old people's disease.

How does the family perceive the impact of Alzheimer's on Doris's life?

The family perceives that despite the challenges of Alzheimer's, Doris is able to stay young at heart with their support, and her motherly instincts have never wavered.