The Memory Loss Tapes

The Memory Loss Tapes Discussion Questions and Conversation Starters The Film 1. Based on Bessie, Fanny and Joe, what symptoms do you think are associated with the early stages of Alzheimer’s? 2. Fanny seems disappointed and angry about failing her driver’s test. Does her level of acceptance of the disease appear to differ from Bessie’s and Joe’s? 3. Do Bessie, Fanny, and Joe share a concern for loss of independence at this time? 4. Think about the behaviors of the individuals living with Alzheimer’s portrayed in the film. What similarities and differences did you observe?

5. Although clearly suffering from the disease, Woody and Cliff appear to have happy dispositions. Would their apparent contentment make things easier or more difficult for their caregivers? How? 6. What social stigmas might those with Alzheimer’s, their friends or families face because of the disease?

7. With Cliff’s wife, Ann, in mind, what do you think are some of the significant decisions that must be made by a spouse or caregiver for someone in the later stages of the disease? 8. Yolanda hallucinates about the lady in the mirror and snakes on her chair. Cliff believes he’s late for his television show.

Their caregivers “play along.” Why might this approach be beneficial? 9. Josephine’s daughter has fenced in the perimeter of their home. What was your reaction to the fence? Did you view it as an act of love? Why or why not? 10. What responsibilities do caregivers have at various stages of the disease? 11. What are some of the things that caregivers in the film say keep them going?

What are some examples of how people with the disease continue to connect to their loved ones? 12. Did you have a reaction to the apparent distress of other residents in Woody’s and Yolanda’s care centers? 13. How might things like pets or dolls benefit those living with Alzheimer’s? 14. How would you describe the difference between getting old and getting Alzheimer’s?

15. What distinguishes Alzheimer’s from other fatal diseases? 16. What would it feel like to be aware that you have a disease for which there is no known cure? Would you choose to advocate for improved understanding of the disease while or take any other actions you were still able? 17. What circumstances would make you consider participating in a research study or trial?

18. What warning signs might indicate that someone is suffering from Alzheimer’s? 19. Why would early detection of Alzheimer’s be beneficial? Why might someone resist testing or diagnosis? 20. What are the ways in which Alzheimer’s erodes independence for both the person with the disease as well as the person/people taking care of him/her?

21. How might a person living with the disease preserve their independence for as long as possible? Communication 22. How would you interact with someone who is aware that they’re experiencing memory loss? 23. How do family and friends interact and communicate differently with someone in the later stages of Alzheimer’s?

24. Joe blogged urgently in order to express himself with words before he was unable to do so. How did those in later stages continue to express themselves without words? Changes in Intimacy, Sexual Behavior

25. Woody appears to have formed a close relationship with Cathy, a fellow patient. What do you think this connection means to Woody?

Cathy? Woody’s wife? Woody’s daughter? 26. How does the expression of sexuality and intimacy appear to change through various stages of the disease? Caregiving 27. Based on what you’ve seen in the film, what are some of the emotional, social, and financial costs associated with caregiving?

28. On a walk with her daughter, Josephine puts a stone in her mouth. Later, the daughter berates herself for handing Josephine the stone in the first place. What did you think of this self-criticism?

29. What are some of the ways in which caregivers might care for themselves? 30. What factors would you consider when deciding whether or not to move a loved one into a care facility? 31. In a discussion with his therapist, Joe alludes to suicide “when the time comes.” How did this make you feel? 32. Near the end of his life, Cliff’s wife, Ann, honors his wishes not to be put on life support. If your loved one’s wishes were not clear, how would you approach this decision?

33. What are some ways that Alzheimer’s patients can plan ahead for the progression of the disease, including end of life choices? How would patients and their families benefit from a plan? Reactions: • Why did you choose to watch this film? • What made you want to participate in the discussion? • What were some of your feelings while watching the film? •

What moments in the film affected you the most? Why? • Whose story did you find the most compelling? Why? • Did you identify with any of the subjects or their family members in any way?

• What questions, fear or concerns did the film bring to mind? • What did you learn about Alzheimer’s disease while watching this film? • Are you interested in learning more about any aspect of the disease? • Do you know where to go for information and or assistance? •

Do you know where to find out about participating in AD research? • Did you know that people without Alzheimer’s can also participate in research about AD?