Dementia has been front of mind in cinematic circles this year with the release of award winning feature film, ‘Still Alice’.

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name and featuring a Golden Globe and Academy Award winning performance by Julianne Moore, ‘Still Alice’ portrays the complicated world of a woman diagnosed with younger-onset dementia.

Dr. Alice Howland (Julianne Moore) is a renowned linguistics professor at Columbia University. When words begin to escape her and she starts becoming lost on her daily jogs, Alice must come face-to-face with a devastating diagnosis: early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. As the once-vibrant woman struggles to hang on to her sense of self for as long as possible, Alice’s three grown children must watch helplessly as their mother disappears more and more with each passing day.

The film, which opened in cinemas across Australia on January 29, has grossed over $1.6 million nationally at the Australian box office.

Home Instead has proudly hosted numerous screenings of the film to raise awareness and understanding of dementia and much needed funds for Alzheimer’s Australia.

Home Instead General Manager Sarah Warner said the film provides an all too familiar account of the dementia experience and its effect on an individual, their life, their family and friends.

“As dementia care specialists, we support hundreds of people just like Alice every day.”

“Not only is ‘Still Alice’ a brilliant film, it has increased understanding of dementia, its impact on individuals and families and how we can better support people living with dementia in our community.”

Alzheimer’s Australia CEO Carol Bennett said Julianne Moore’s portrayal of Alice is outstanding.

“As the title suggests, it illustrates that even with a diagnosis of dementia, she is ‘Still Alice’.”

“Life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis of dementia and I hope that is what Australians take away from this movie – that with the right support, people can live well with dementia.”

“I also hope this film prompts community leaders and governments across Australia to ensure all forms of dementia, which is already estimated to directly impact on more than 340,000 Australians, are factored into their priorities.”

Alzheimer’s Australia is a national charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. Amongst other services, it currently manages the Younger Onset Dementia Key Worker program to give people living with younger onset dementia, their families and carers a primary point of contact for support and access to other assistance. People wanting information about dementia, or to find out where to get help, can call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Learn more about Home Instead’s specialist and advanced dementia care.