Alzheimer's disease, a heart-wrenching condition that erodes memories and personalities, has been a poignant subject in cinema. These films delve into the emotional and psychological impacts of Alzheimer's, offering viewers not just a window into the lives affected by this disease but also a deeper understanding of human resilience, love, and the fragility of memory. Here's a curated list of 10 films that capture the essence of Alzheimer's, each with its unique storytelling and emotional depth.

Iris (2001)
Description: A biographical drama about Iris Murdoch, a celebrated writer, and her battle with Alzheimer's, showcasing her relationship with her husband John Bayley.
Fact: Judi Dench and Kate Winslet both received Oscar nominations for their portrayals of Iris at different stages of her life.


The Notebook (2004)
Description: While primarily a love story, the film includes a subplot where the protagonist, Noah, reads to his wife, Allie, who has Alzheimer's, to help her remember their past.
Fact: The film was based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, and it was his first book to be adapted into a movie.


Away from Her (2006)
Description: Based on Alice Munro's short story, this film explores the relationship between a husband and his wife as she succumbs to Alzheimer's, focusing on themes of love, loss, and forgiveness.
Fact: Sarah Polley, who directed the film, was only 27 when she made this poignant debut feature.


The Savages (2007)
Description: This film follows two estranged siblings as they navigate the care of their father who has dementia, offering a darkly comedic yet poignant look at family dynamics and the disease.
Fact: The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.


The Iron Lady (2011)
Description: While focusing on Margaret Thatcher's life, the film includes scenes of her later years, dealing with dementia, providing a poignant look at the personal side of a public figure.
Fact: Meryl Streep won an Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of Thatcher, capturing both her political prowess and her personal decline.


The Father (2020)
Description: Anthony Hopkins delivers a tour de force performance as an aging man grappling with dementia, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, offering a profound insight into the disorientation of Alzheimer's.
Fact: Hopkins won his second Best Actor Oscar for this role, making him one of the oldest winners in this category at age


Amour (2012)
Description: This French film, though not exclusively about Alzheimer's, deals with the aftermath of a stroke and the slow decline of one spouse, touching on themes of aging and memory loss.
Fact: Michael Haneke won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for this deeply moving portrayal of love and loss.


Still Alice (2014)
Description: This film provides an intimate look at Alice Howland, a linguistics professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, highlighting her struggle to maintain her identity as her memory fades.
Fact: Julianne Moore won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Alice. The film was adapted from the novel by Lisa Genova, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience.


The Leisure Seeker (2017)
Description: An elderly couple embarks on a road trip in their old RV, with the wife, who has Alzheimer's, experiencing moments of clarity and confusion along the way.
Fact: The film is based on the novel "In viaggio contromano" by Michael Zadoorian.


A Moment to Remember (2004)
Description: This South Korean film tells the story of a young woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's and her struggle to keep her memories alive through her love story.
Fact: The film was a major box office success in South Korea and has been remade in several countries.
