Educational Media Reviews Online

“Without having our memory we lose who we are”…”Are we the sum total of our memories?”...”Do we become less because we can’t remember?” These are questions that are asked in perpetuity as loved ones and patients of those with Alzheimer’s Disease ask at one point or another. The Sum Total of Our Memory follows the experiences of three couples, of which one of the spouses has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and the changing roles that comes with such a diagnosis. The film provides candid interactions with the Alzheimer’s patient and the caregiver, talking about how they came to terms with the disease and how they continue to cope and work through the everyday challenges. The film captures input from medical doctors and scientists, who describe the struggle with diagnosis, living with, and providing care for one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. The film is available in both the full-length version (57 minutes) and the abbreviated version (30 minutes). The abbreviated version includes only the interviews with and personal narratives of those with Alzheimer’s and their spouses. The full length version includes the extra information from medical professionals and scientists. This film will be a useful resource for those studying the dynamic of memory, and the affects of aging and, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, on the person and their family.