In this special film festival episode celebrating the 10th anniversary of AlzAuthors, hosts Marianne Sciucco and Christy Byrne Yates welcome filmmaker Frank Silverstein for an intimate discussion about his documentary, “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia.” Frank shares his journey capturing the realities of caring for both parents with dementia, offering raw insight, practical wisdom, and hope for caregivers and families living with this disease.
Featured Guest:
Frank Silverstein – Veteran TV producer, author, and filmmaker. Creator of “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia”, a deeply personal iPhone-shot documentary chronicling his parents’ decline and the challenges of caregiving.
Key Discussion Topics:
Behind the Film: Frank reveals how his career in news documentaries shaped his approach to filming, and why he began documenting the “real” moments with his parents as their dementia progressed.
Caregiving Realities: The episode explores the confusion, unpredictability, and emotional complexity of caring for loved ones with dementia—including dealing with repeated questions, behavioral changes, and sibling dynamics.
Honoring the Person: Frank shares poignant memories of his parents’ lives before dementia, and discusses how core personality traits can persist even as the disease changes so much else.
Sibling Care Teams: An honest look at family caregiving logistics, relationships, and the value of supporting one another—not just the person with dementia, but also fellow caregivers.
Film Festival Details: For those registered for the AlzAuthors Film Festival, they can watch “Lousy: Love in the Time of Dementia” and other festival films through the end of the year.
Memorable Quote:
“It’s very isolating when you’re taking care of your parents. There’s nobody really that’s going to help you... you have to figure out your path out of there.” —Frank Silverstein
Resources:
Contact Frank Silverstein: www.franksilverstein.com
AlzAuthors Podcast, “Caring for Two Parents with Dementia at the Same Time”
Next Up:
Join the next film festival discussion on Wine, Women, & Dementia by Kitty Norton — details and links on the AlzAuthors website
Learn about the Moderators
About the Podcast
AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.
We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.
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