PADS to show HBO's 'The Alzheimers Project'

Porterville Adult Day Services will host a special screening and discussion and bring a local perspective to HBO’s documentary, “The Alzheimer’s Project”.

The special screening is part of a national discussion to encourage individuals to learn more about the disease as well as to gain a greater understanding of the issues surrounding it.

The program is set to begin at 11 a.m. on Nov. 13 with the film “Caregivers” — a collection of five family portraits that illustrate caring for those in different stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Each portrait highlights the sacrifices, struggles and successes made by those experiencing a loved ones’ descent into dementia.

On Nov. 15, the film “Grandpa, Do you know who I am?” will be shown. The film, with Maria Shriver, whose father was diagnosed with the disease, provides commentary and guidance through five lessons, is geared toward children and young adults coping with a grandparent’s illness.

The film’s vignettes can help a child understand and deal with a relative’s gradual decline into Alzheimer’s. It will be followed with a lunch and discussion led by Kayla Muller, program director of Porterville Adult Day Services.

The event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

“The Alzheimer’s Project” is HBO’s four-part multi-platform series that offers new understanding and hope to millions and reveals human faces behind the disease, organizers said.

“This pioneering documentary series shines a spotlight on the lives of individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families, and takes a close look at the ground breaking discoveries made by the country’s leading scientists as they work towards a cure,” PADS’ officials announced.

PADS will present two of the four films in the educational opportunity series with the hope to encourage further discussion about Alzheimer’s care in the community.

HBO invited the Porterville Adult Day Services, along with many other national organizations, to host the screening event.

For more information or to register, call PADS at 783-9815.