Open Door - Alzheimers

Alzheimer's affects thousands of New Zealanders and their families, a neurodegenerative disease impacting memory and thinking. This episode of the community-driven series Open Door shares the personal stories of individuals at various stages of the illness, from a woman with early-onset Alzheimer's preparing for her future, to those in later stages making lifestyle adjustments, and a widow reflecting on her husband's experience. Together, they reveal the emotional and practical challenges faced by both individuals and their caregivers, while offering insights into living life to the fullest despite their diagnosis.

The thing about early-onset Alzheimer's is that it hits people — well, in our case, when we were in our 50s. And it's the time when you're paying off the mortgage, when you're saving for your retirement, and of course, we were hit straight away with losing one of our two incomes.

– Ron Clark on early onset Alzheimer's disease

Key Cast & Crew

Keith Lambert

Producer

Alice Mila

Director, Sound

Reuben Simmonds

Camera

Christian Driscoll

Post-Production Director

Jimmy Roberts

Editor

Emma Watkinson

Network Executive