jews d

PHOTOS BY VISIONALIST ENTERTAINMENT

in
the

On The Front Lines

Documentary sheds light on
Alzheimer’s and dementia
patients and caregivers.

JASON RUBENFIRE SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

TOP: Annette Stone of West Bloomfield gives her husband, Allen, a kiss while looking at a
book of photos. ABOVE: Family photos help remind Allen of people and events in his life.

A

lzheimer’s disease and dementia
wreak havoc on the lives of millions
of families each year. They strike
indiscriminately, no matter who you are
or what you’ve accomplished. And, once a
person is symptomatic, there’s no turning
back.
Local filmmaker Keith Famie takes view-
ers on a journey to witness Those on the
Front Lines of Alzheimer’s
& Dementia, which
will premiere at 9 p.m.
Wednesday, June 27, on
WTVS Detroit Public
Television (Channel 56).
With the support of
the Metro Detroit Jewish
community, Famie
Keith Famie
explores in his new docu-
mentary the emotional
weight Alzheimer’s and dementia place
on sufferers and their loved ones. He also
endeavors to discover what can be done to
help those in need live lives of dignity and
fulfillment.
Famie is no stranger to the effect
Alzheimer’s or dementia can have on a
family. He served as his father’s caregiver
until his death from Alzheimer’s in 2003.
“I am confident the film will take the
audience on a journey that everyone can
relate to, especially if they have a loved one

who was or is facing any type of dementia,
and I have experienced the complexities
and loneliness of trying to help that person
through the stages of losing themselves,”
Famie says.
The film also focuses on the recent
advances in our understanding of cognitive
decline. Recently, the treatment and care
of patients experiencing cognitive decline
has finally begun to progress as we’ve
learned more about what contributes to
Alzheimer’s and dementia and how the
diseases may be slowed, prevented and,
perhaps one day, reversed.
“People used to think Alzheimer’s was
just genetic, but it’s clear there are things
we can do now in how we live, eat and
exercise that can help stave off dementia
and related issues,” Famie says.
He also stresses the importance of being
present, even if your present isn’t theirs.
“Learn to be where your loved one is. If
they’re 30 years ago, be with them at that
moment; don’t try to take them out of it.”

THE BROWN PROGRAM
The Dorothy and Peter Brown
Community Adult Day Program, cur-
rently led by Debra Yamstein, features
prominently within the film — and for
good reason. A joint collaboration between
Jewish Senior Life and JVS, the Brown

continued on page 22

20

June 21 • 2018

jn