By Steve Wagner

Oct. 18, 2023: On Thursday evening, October 12^th, Gramatan Village played an important role in hosting a cutting-edge advance screening of a documentary entitled Memories for Life, Reversing Alzheimer’s, narrated by Michael Bublé and directed by Hideyuki Tokigawa, focusing on the growing scourge of the disease called Alzheimer’s.

This powerful documentary highlighted the work of brain health scientist, Dr. Dale Bredesen, and his pioneering program to reverse the ravages of this disease, the Bredesen Protocol.  The documentary showcased the personal stories of several patients who are taking part in the treatment protocol and the promising results they have achieved in making progress toward reversing the cognitive decline that is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. 

The personal stories were gripping, informative and thought provoking. This documentary did not hold back in exposing the skepticism that Dr. Bredesen’s protocol received in its early years.  However, over the last decade, the actual results from people who faithfully followed the program became compelling enough to attract the interest of the National Institutes of Health.  Several other studies utilizing very similar approaches are now being funded by the leader in the field, The Alzheimer’s Association, despite their initial skepticism of Dr. Bredesen’s approach which was highlighted in the film.  

Screening guests were welcomed by Carol Godfrey, President of Gramatan Village and Clayton Bushong, Executive Director of The Picture House.  Guests also received a wonderful goodie bag filled with healthy snacks sponsored by Privatus, A Personal Care and Private Duty Nursing Provider. 

Gramatan Village Board President, Carol Godfrey, and Vice President Steve Wagner

Following the exclusive screening, Gramatan Village hosted a Q & A session featuring noted Dementia and Alzheimer’s expert and Bredesen Protocol Practitioner, Kerry Mills Rutland, as the moderator.  Her guest panelists, one of whom was featured in the film, shared their personal journeys, the positive impact of the Bredesen Protocol on their lives and the fact that their journeys continue but with new hope and promise for a better future. 

The screening was well attended. Guests included Gramatan Village members, The Picture House Members as well as individuals from the general public who said they were anxious to learn more about the disease that is affecting so many families. 

Gramatan Village staff Grace Gilmer and Heather Scholes with Lourdes Santacruz of Privatus Care Solutions

Interviewed after the screening, many of the filmgoers in attendance were quite moved by the documentary and the panel discussion that followed. Several attendees indicated that they wanted to have more friends join them, but a few declined because they were reticent to acknowledge their concern about being afflicted by Alzheimer’s due to the stigma attached. 

In fact, Lucy, one of the panelists featured in the film, commented that when the best-selling book the film was based on first came out, she used an assumed name, and this screening of the documentary was her first chance to see her story portrayed on the big screen. Now seeing herself on film, she shared that she is proud of having her story told and hopes it will help others to come out of the shadows and seek help and treatment. 

For its part, Gramatan Village demonstrated its commitment to be on the leading edge of senior issues and offering programs and services for its members that help them to age well and live a life of dignity while staying engaged. 

At the start of this inspirational evening, Gramatan Village also introduced Discover Gramatan Village, a deeply discounted, introductory membership rate which will give new members the opportunity to experience the full range of programs and services Gramatan Village offers. The promotion will be available through the end of 2023. 

The Picture House worked closely with Gramatan Village to host a wonderfully informative evening. Kerry Mills Rutland and her husband, Tim Rutland, offer the Bredesen Protocol through their company, Age Well Simply. Gramatan Village thanks Age Well Simply for arranging the advance showing of this documentary with Dr. Bredesen, his special videotaped appearance at the end of the program, as well as the inspiring Q&A session after the film.

Gramatan Village supports seniors in our local community who want to live confidently and independently at home.  The organization aims to empower members with a network of volunteers, community partners, and peer connections and provide a variety of engaging activities, useful services, support, and information. For more information, to become a member or to volunteer, please visit www.gramatanvillage.org, or call the office at 914-337-1338.