BCAT News

More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and millions more are finding themselves in the role of caregiver and losing connection with a loved one. Cycle of Memory’s intergenerational perspective expands our understanding of memory loss from a crisis facing the elderly to one that affects all ages.

Cycle of Memory follows filmmaker Alex Leff and his younger sibling Koby as they try to uncover the past and capture the present, in order to be remembered in the future. Guided by old photographs of the 1945 trip, they search for places aged by time. But while searching for Grandpa Mel’s past, the two are confronted with their own fraught history. If they’re going to complete the turbulent journey, they’ll have to face their own emotional potholes and tumultuous relationship.

With the help of a grandmother learning to live alone for the first time, Mel’s lifelong friend and co-adventurer on the bike trip, and a family collection spanning 1950s film reels to 1990s video tapes, Cycle of Memory explores the importance of intergenerational connection, healing painful pasts, and leaving a meaningful time capsule for the future.

What are the important conversations we have with our parents and grandparents while they still remember? How do we hold onto connection with our loved ones as they lose their memory? What do we want to make sure is passed down and saved before it’s too late? These are some of the big questions we’ll discuss after watching Cycle of Memory.

This intergenerational perspective on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has been resonating with diverse audiences, from millennial caregivers to Senior Centers and Councils on Aging. Specifically, family members who have lost a parent to Alzheimer’s and have children of their own are finding that the film’s uplifting message, emphasizing what can’t be forgotten, provides a blueprint for families to hold on to their connection despite aging and memory loss.

Join the Burlington Council on Aging, 61 Center St, Burlington MA on Wednesday, October 12^th at 6:30pm.  All generations are invited, RSVP by calling 781-270-1950.  A light meal will be served. This event has been funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Grant.