Memory Digest

Books, Films and Podcasts

A starter list of well-regarded books, memoirs, films and video resources about dementia for people living with it, caregivers and families, with notes on who each is best for.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Books, films and shows can help in ways a fact sheet can't. A good memoir can make you feel less alone; a practical guide can get you through a hard week; a film can help relatives finally understand what you're going through. Here is a starter list. Inclusion isn't an endorsement of every idea in a work, and none of these replace advice from your own care team.

Practical guides for caregivers

• The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins. The classic family guide to dementia care, updated many times since it first appeared in 1981. It covers everything from daily care and behavior changes to money, nursing homes and caring for yourself. Many families keep it on the kitchen counter as a reference.
• Learning to Speak Alzheimer's by Joanne Koenig Coste. A warm, practical approach focused on communicating and connecting with the person rather than correcting them. A good companion to our Communicating with Someone with Dementia.
• Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey. Short, encouraging and easy to read in small bits, with ideas for finding good moments in each day. Popular with family caregivers and care staff.

Understanding the disease and the bigger picture

• The Problem of Alzheimer's by Jason Karlawish. A geriatrician's account of how Alzheimer's became a crisis, and what better care and policy could look like.
• Dementia Reimagined by Tia Powell. A doctor and bioethicist, whose own family was affected, argues for focusing more on care and quality of life alongside the search for cures.

For the science, the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association publish free, plain-language guides; see also our Dementia Research Today.

Memoirs by people living with dementia

• Somebody I Used to Know by Wendy Mitchell. Written by a woman diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's at 58, describing how she adapted and kept living fully. Hopeful and honest; especially good soon after a diagnosis (see Young-Onset Dementia and Living Well with Dementia).

Memoirs by family members

• Where the Light Gets In by Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The actress writes about her mother's young-onset dementia (a form of Primary Progressive Aphasia) and learning to love her as she changed.

Novels

• Still Alice by Lisa Genova. A novel about a Harvard professor with early-onset Alzheimer's, told from her point of view. Many readers say it helped them understand what a loved one was experiencing.
• Elizabeth Is Missing by Emma Healey. A mystery narrated by an older woman with dementia, showing how confusing the world can feel from the inside.

Films

• Still Alice (2014). Julianne Moore won an Oscar for her role in this adaptation of Genova's novel.
• The Father (2020). Anthony Hopkins won an Oscar for this film, which puts the viewer inside the confusion of dementia. Powerful and disorienting, and it can be very hard to watch for caregivers who are in the middle of it.
• Away from Her (2006). A quiet drama about a long marriage and a move to a care home.
• Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me (2014). A documentary following the country singer's farewell tour after his Alzheimer's diagnosis.
• Alive Inside (2014). A documentary about personal music playlists awakening people in nursing homes. It's moving, though the science on music is more modest than the film suggests (see Music and Art Therapy).

A word of caution: films often show dementia in dramatic or late stages, or compress years into weeks. If you've just been diagnosed, you may want to start with a memoir instead.

Video lessons and online learning

• Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Care. Teepa Snow is an occupational therapist whose videos demonstrate hands-on techniques for approaching, helping and calming someone with dementia. Many are free on her website and YouTube.
• Alzheimer's Association education programs. Free online and in-person classes on topics such as understanding behaviors, legal and financial planning, and effective communication.

Podcasts

Many hospitals, caregiver organizations and caregivers themselves host podcasts on dementia. When choosing one, look for hosts who are open about their background, guests with real expertise, and episodes that don't push supplements or "reverse Alzheimer's" programs (see How to Read Health Research News and Supplements and Memory Claims). Your local Alzheimer's Association chapter or support group can often recommend favorites.

For children and teens

Picture books and young adult novels can help children understand changes in a grandparent. Maria Shriver's What's Happening to Grandpa? is a well-known example for younger children. The Alzheimer's Association keeps a list of resources for kids and teens. See Explaining Dementia to Kids and Teens for tips on talking with children.

Free and low-cost ways to get these

• Your public library likely has most of these books, often in large print, audiobook and e-book formats. Ask about home delivery for people who can't get to a branch.
• Support groups frequently swap books and recommend favorites (see Finding a Support Group).
• Streaming services carry many of the films; availability changes often.

The bottom line

Reading or watching others' stories can bring comfort, practical ideas and the words to explain dementia to people you love. Pick what fits where you are right now, and set aside anything that feels too heavy. You can always come back to it.

Sources

1. Alzheimer's Association: Alzheimer's and Dementia Resources
2. Alzheimer's Association: Helping Kids Understand Alzheimer's and Dementia
3. Positive Approach to Care (Teepa Snow)

Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.

Related articles

• Helplines and Support Organizations
• Finding a Support Group
• Explaining Dementia to Kids and Teens
• Caregiving Guide: Where to Start
• Caregiver Stress and Burnout