I just watched the first episode last night. I did find it compelling and watched with interest (even put away my laptop to give the show my undivided attention) but something was missing.

As others have said on another thread...maybe it was a little too sanitized? There is so much more that is messy and undignified in being a caregiver. I'm wondering if perhaps some of the difficult, messy things (like incontinence, feeding, hygiene, anger, negative behavior toward caregivers etc.) have been glossed over to protect the privacy of the ADLO's being portrayed in the films.

I've only seen the first episode so maybe there will be more specifics in the following films. Or maybe there is only so much that needs to be shown?

Dear Lilly,

Was it too clean?

Yes!

But, It's out there now which is much better than b4!

Caregivers expend an enormous amount of energy. It is not a role for the faint of heart, mind, body or spirit. The vigilance and attention to detail required for quality care is difficult to imagine. Sometimes, family members are very supportive. Others may walk away for their own reasons. Some stay on the periphery and judge. Others add to the stress, seemingly oblivious or indifferent. Some take negative advantage of the situation. Dealing with decline, pending doom, death unless a cure is found...this is the reality the caregiver faces while tending to "unscheduled" bowel movements, incontinence, choking on food, hallucinations, etc. Love for a loved one, hope for a cure and support received from medical pros, family and friends are positive anchors. This disease often extracts heavy financial, emotional, physical and spiritual tolls. To those family members, friends and acquaintances that cannot or do not want to assist...to those that make things harder... Please go away.

Today I watched "Grandpa, do you know who I am?" and the "Caregiver" films. I thought they were both well done and very moving. They seemed to add more depth and reality than the first segment in the series. The amazing kids in the "Grandpa" film were very real and honest with their emotions emphasizing that, yes, it's hard and it often hurts. And the "Caregiver" film was also more real. Though hard to watch and painfully sad at times, I think the Alzheimer's Project" is very well done and an excellent way to get the word out.

I watched the memory tapes with my brother and sister.

It was much easier to watch than I anticipated, but not nearly as helpful. I wish my mother were as easy to deal with as the people in these stories. They seemed so accepting of their condition, and took their meds, and didn't rage at their caregivers saying unforgivable things.

I think we all feel just as alone as we did before.

-K.

Dear Kayling,
Thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts and feelings. I am sorry you are still feeling alone.
Welcome to the AD Message Boards. We're here to help and give you a place to gather info., vent feelings and get a lot of support.

Please, keep watching the HBO Series. It does go into more depth. Then, please come back again and share your thoughts.

Remember, You are NOT alone. We are here for you.

Only watched the first one so far, but I'm amazed at how the people didn't notice cameras! Unless HBO was using some really little ones, I'm sure the camera people and lighting folk would have been noticed. My Mom can find me whenever I've my cheapie digital camera out and puts on a show!

Hi Gremlin, on one of the web sites about the project was a write up of how they did the interviews. With the people who had AD, it sometimes took hours of the crew being there, before the patient relaxed and they could proceed. Just think of the cost of a film crew, but they were willing to spend the time and wait.
this was not an inexpensive process and HB6 is to be commended for making it freely available.

These shows were an incredible eye opener for me. My mother (68) was diagnosed about 3 years ago and she has had a slightly faster decline than what the doctor predicted. Those shows couldn't have started up at a better time. This past weekend was finally my meltdown point. I can't tell you the last time I cried before this weekend and once I started, it went on allllll weekend. Then Sunday night I sat down with my husband and watched. As sad as all of that was to watch, it actually comforted me a little. I'm not the only one going thru this and I just need to do some homework on it. I've put off a lot of things because I just wasn't ready to deal with them but now I realize if I don't, no one will. I've never posted on the blogs but I think it's time I find the support I'm going to need thru this.

Rae

Hi Rae, A great next step would be to call your local Alzheimer's Assoc. (check your phone book) and find the nearest support group in your area.
From your local library check out ,The 36 Hour Day. Actually, it's better to just buy it. It has so much good information, even though it's been published a while. Mine is heavily highlighted.

You have found one Board. There are others; look for the Caregiver Support Groups. Remember, your mother is unique and so will be your experiences with her.

Depending upon how far along she is, she might be helped by logging on to the Boards for patients.

I do agree that the series is excellent, especially for those who have not had first hand experience with the disease. However, are those the people who are watching it - or is it mostly those affected by Alzheimer's the bulk of the viewers?

Sadly, I agree it did not show any of the difficult and not-so-pretty challenges the patients and particularly the family caregivers have to go through. (Perhaps it was because real patients and their families were used in the series?)

Let's pray that this series will generate more interest in finding a cure. And thanks to all involved for making this series happen.

Sign Me.... Still Grieving

Dear Rae,
Hello and Welcome to the AD Message Boards. I'm sorry to hear about your Mom but I'm very glad you've found us.
The HBO series was a great start. As Mimi said, please join in on the other boards. There are lots of people out there to assist you.
Thank you for watching and sharing your feelings and comments on the HBO Special "The Alzheimer's Project. It is a very important series!
If you need any immediate assistance, please call the AD Helpline @ 800-272-3900 for help and guidance. There are professionals there 24/7 to assist you. Also, please contact you local AD Assn for help and support.

Please remember, you are NOT alone. We are here for you! Welcome to Our family.

I thought the "Memory Loss Tapes" and "Grandpa, do you Know Who I Am" sections were very well done.

I kept wondering when they were going to get to some of the harder parts of cargiving, but then, I realized that no one would really be interested in cleaning up poop after it's tracked into three different rooms, begging them to get into the shower or change their clothes, family fights, etc. etc.

I had issues with some of the research findings, but hope I am proved wrong.

So I have come to the conclusion that it was a good thing for people who are just starting down this horrid path or those who have no experience at all. Unfortunately, I doubt those with no experience are the people that watched.

Dear HerBlueEyes,
Hello and Welcome. Thank you for coming and sharing your thoughts and feelings about the HBO Series "The Alzheimer's Project." I am sorry it made you feel sad but it was sad.
I'm glad you've found us here at the AD Message Boards. I hope you'll join us here at the different sites. This is a great place to vent feelings, gather info., and get a lot of great support from some really terrific people.
If you need assistance, please call the AD Helpline @ 800-272-3900. There are professionals there 24/7 to assist you.

Please come here often to talk and let us know how you and your family are doing.

Again, Welcome to Our family. We are here for you!

It was a bit too clean. It did not show what we go through each day, changes we had to make to making cleaning up easier, how we have to wash a ton of stuff, mop and clean the floors all the time, etc.