Communiqué

EMOTIONAL REALITY OF THE CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE CAPTURED IN

“MATTER OF MIND: MY ALZHEIMER’S,”

PREMIERING ON PBS’S INDEPENDENT LENS ON MAY 5, 2025 at 10:00 pm

An Intimate Look into Three Relationships Transformed by Alzheimer’s Disease Concludes a Trio of Films Exploring Neurodegenerative Diseases

The final documentary in a three-part series focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s” will premiere on May 5, 2025, on INDEPENDENT LENS. From award-winning co- directors Anna Moot-Levin and Laura Green (“The Providers”), the intimate documentary presents three poignant stories about how family dynamics change when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Nearly 7 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and family and friends of those living with dementia provide 18 billion hours of unpaid care each year. “Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s” follows three families and the unique challenges of their loved ones’ diagnoses, delving into their lived experiences. Going beyond the statistics, the film explores how this disease impacts identities and roles in relationships—when one partner becomes a caregiver or how both parent and child are transformed when the traditional role of provider is reversed.

Andrea Hughes is a single woman in her 30s, living in a small Michigan town. When her mother, Kristy Miller, is diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Andrea becomes her primary caregiver. As Kristy’s illness progresses, Andrea searches for a way to move to a larger city where they can connect with a broader community and find more support.

Carlos Olivas III must unexpectedly move home to Sacramento to become a caregiver for his father, Carlos Olivas Jr., when he begins experiencing Alzheimer’s symptoms. After a difficult period of acclimation, Carlos III embraces his role and ultimately becomes an advocate for caregivers at the California State Capitol. His father, in his 80s, reignites his artistic passion and immerses himself in drawing each day as his condition progresses.

Living in New York City, Janice Goldberg and Sue Darrow have been a dynamic couple for over four decades. Sue’s symptoms began about 10 years ago, and Janice balances her work as a theater director and tour guide with caregiving for Sue. The pair surmount obstacles with humor and flexibility, even as the progression of the illness threatens their equilibrium.

“Alzheimer’s has become one of those diseases that has touched most people’s lives in some way,” said Laura Green, director/producer. “We know many will see themselves reflected in Andrea, Carlos, and Janice’s stories and hope those who don’t will find a new understanding of how this disease impacts relationships.”

“In exploring three different yet related neurodegenerative diseases, we’ve been able to see how each participant’s journey compares and contrasts to another,” added Anna Moot-Levin, director/producer. “Their stories exemplify how devastating and unpredictable it can be, but also show the beautiful moments and the love that makes them persevere.”

“The ‘Matter of Mind’ series has, over three seasons, shared the humanity of not only those living with neurodegenerative diseases but of their loved ones and caregivers whose lives are also changed in so many different ways,” said Lois Vossen, executive producer of INDEPENDENT LENS. “We are proud to amplify Anna and Laura’s work and allow our audiences the opportunity to relate and learn.”

The documentary received funding via ITVS’s Series and Special Projects Initiative. The earlier installments of the “Matter of Mind” series premiered on INDEPENDENT LENS in 2023 and 2024 and followed individuals diagnosed with ALS and Parkinson’s disease. Both films are currently available to stream on the PBS app.