Amanda's Choice 2001
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th, New York, NY 10016; 212-808-4980
Produced by David L. Tucker with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Directed by David Tucker
VHS, color, 48 min.
High School - Adult
Health Sciences
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Jennifer Byrnes, Hospital Library Services Program, Western New York Library Resources CouncilAmanda’s Choice examines the dilemma of genetic testing. Amanda, a 19 year old from Ontario, Canada, considers undergoing genetic testing to determine if she will develop Early-Onset Alzheimer’s, a rare form of the disease caused by a faulty gene. Amanda’s mother and aunts have suffered from Alzheimer’s and began showing signs of the disease in their thirties. Declining rapidly, Amanda soon learns that her mother requires more care than her three-year-old son does and fears she will suffer the same fate of dementia and premature death.
Geneticist Dr. Wendy Meschino of North York General Hospital counsels Amanda on testing. After discussing the pros and cons of genetic testing, and determining what course of action would be taken after learning the results, Amanda decides to move forward with the test. Surrounded by her family and friends, Amanda learns the news that she has in fact inherited the faulty gene. Devastated, she is most concerned about the possibility that her son has also inherited the gene.
The film is very moving and suspenseful. Although touching on the impact of Alzheimer’s on the family, the true focus is genetic testing and how one processes the information it provides. Amanda is truly inspiring as she copes with the reality that she will eventually develop the disease that placed her mother in a nursing home in her forties.
The film is a well produced, compelling piece and would be very useful to genetic counselors and other health care providers as well as patients who are considering genetic testing.
Recommended