AlzAuthors 10th Anniversary Film Festival: Spotlight on “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia”

Oct 14, 2025 11:31 pm

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Hello ,

Welcome back to AlzAuthors. Today we invite you to explore a powerful new perspective on the dementia journey through the lens of veteran TV producer Frank Silverstein and his short film, "Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia.” This podcast is the replay of our most recent film festival creator discussion where we discuss Frank’s deeply personal documentary, which captures the raw, real moments he and his family experienced while caring for both his parents as they faced dementia together.

Inside This Episode:

Behind the Lens: Frank, who spent years telling human stories for major networks like ABC News and CNN, shares what compelled him to turn the camera onto his own family. Using only his iPhone and a documentarian’s eye, Frank brings us into the heart of day-to-day realities many families know all too well.
Authenticity and Acceptance: The conversation explores the deep challenges and unexpected joys of loving someone through dementia, the importance of presence and compassion, and how the essence of our loved ones often shines through despite the disease.
Caregiver Community: Hosts Christy Byrne Yates and Marianne Sciucco, along with acquisitions editor Jean Lee, reflect on the value of support groups, the catharsis of sharing stories (through film, writing, or conversation), and the importance of letting caregivers know: you are not alone.

Takeaways for Caregivers and Families:

Honesty is healing: Sharing our stories, even the hard or "ugly" parts, lightens the load for us and others.
Support is essential: Whether through a support group or sibling teamwork, finding your caregiver community makes the journey less isolating.
In the moment matters: People living with dementia can still find real joy, pleasure, and connection in the present. Embrace it.

How to Watch & Connect:

"Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia" is available for viewing through Terra Nova Films.
Join our next film discussion on November 10th! We’re discussing Kitty Norton’s film "Wine, Women, and Dementia.” Get details and links here.

Remember: You are not alone. One can sing a lonely song, but we choose to form a choir and create harmony.

If you enjoy this episode please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a review.

Listen to podcast and read blog post!

Watch on YouTube!

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Here's the Lineup to the Whole Festival

Get all the details on the blog.

November:

Wine, Women and Dementia by Kitty Norton—Join Kitty as she travels cross-country to meet other caregivers, forming community and sharing laughter, tears, and hard-earned wisdom. 127 minutes. A PBS Exclusive one-hour version is now playing on local PBS stations around the U.S. Check here to see if it's playing in your area. From November 1 through November 30, the full-length feature (87 minutes) uncut and uncensored with more caregiver tales(!) than the PBS exclusive 1-hour version will be exclusively available to film festival viewers on Eventive for just $6. Get it here.

Film discussion: November 10, 2 pm EST via Zoom

December:

The Present by C. Nathan Brown—A moving family drama about navigating grief and togetherness after losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. 21 minutes.

Free on YouTube.

Film discussion: December 8, 2 pm EST via Zoom

Be sure to watch the films prior to attending the discussions! We will NOT be showing the films during the meetings. The film series is designed for you to watch the film at a convenient time for you and then to gather together at an appointed time for the discussion.

Previous FIlm Discussions

September:

Planet A by Mary Crescenzo—A poetic, theatrical journey into the world of Alzheimer’s, bringing real voices and experiences to the stage and screen. 112 minutes. Free on YouTube . Listen to film discussion here.

No Country for Old People by Susie Singer Carter—A riveting, three-part investigative documentary (as seen on Amazon Prime) exposing the challenges of memory care facilities. We're viewing Part One. 118 minutes.

Part 1 free on Vimeo

Please watch Parts 2 & 3 on Amazon Prime Video, $4.99

Listen to film discussion here.

October:

Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia by Frank Silverstein—A heartfelt short film capturing the loving but difficult realities of caregiving for two parents with dementia. 15 minutes. $3.99 on Terra Nova Films

Listen to film discussion here.

Please rate, review, and recommend all of the films wherever you view them.

Please share this email with everyone you know in Dementia World, especially caregivers who may be looking for valuable information and inspiration for their caregiving journeys.

More from AlzAuthors

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter/X and Blue Sky for caregiver tips, info and inspiration
Check out our book collection with 400+ carefully vetted titles
Listen to the Podcast
Watch us on YouTube

Questions? Hit reply to this email.

Thanks to our friends who have supported this event on their podcasts and blogs:

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Take a Chance on Our 10th Anniversary Book Giveaway!

We’ve still got books to give away!

Winners selected monthly!

Watch your email inbox for notification!

Enter once to win all year.

Enter here!

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Love our newsletter?

Please forward it to a family member, friend, or someone you know on a dementia journey. Share the news about our authors, their stories and books, and the valuable resources we offer: website, podcast, blog, and more.

Thank you.

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Let's keep connected ...

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Our mission is to provide quality resources for those concerned with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Please help by connecting with us in at least one new way this week:

Explore our blog

Follow our podcast and leave a review

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Submit your book, blog, or other resource

Join our Amazon book club

Leave a review on Google

Shop our store

Visit us on The Whole Care Network

Purchase a Custom Caregiver Collection

Share this newsletter with others on a dementia journey

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Thank you for supporting our mission to

connect caregivers with resources.

Your Management Team

L to R: Vicki Tapia, Ann Campanella, Christy Byrne Yates,

Marianne Sciucco, Susan Landeis, and Jean Lee

How to reach us:

Marianne Sciucco: podcast host/producer

mariannesciucco@gmail.com

Jean Lee: acquisitions editor, Custom Caregiver Collections

jean@alzheimersdaughter.com

Vicki Tapia: acquisitions editor, children's books

vicki.tapia@gmail.com

Ann Campanella: Custom Caregiver Collections

anncampanella@gmail.com

Susan Landeis: Custom Caregiver Collections

contact@susanlandeis.com

Christy Byrne Yates: podcast host/producer, YouTube channel manager

christy@cbyates.com

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