By Marianne Sciucco, New York, USA
At AlzAuthors, we seek to shine a light on the stories that don’t get told often enough—the real, raw, and sometimes unexpectedly joyful experiences of those navigating dementia and caregiving. That’s why our recent podcast episode and film festival discussion with Kitty Norton, creator of Wine, Women & Dementia, struck such a powerful chord.
Wine, Women & Dementia isn’t just a documentary—it’s an invitation. An invitation into living rooms and late-night kitchens, where caregivers share laughter, tears, wine, and wisdom, supporting each other along the often lonely road of dementia care. In our conversation, Kitty Norton opened up about why she turned her camera on her own experience and the vibrant caregiver network she’s been part of from her earliest days blogging at Stump Town Dementia.
When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn
Imagine landing your dream job on a hit TV show (This Is Us, no less!), only to have everything change overnight when you’re called back home to care for an ill parent. That was Kitty’s story, but instead of letting grief and frustration have the last word, she turned to creativity. From home videos to family documentaries and immersive blog posts, Kitty Norton realized she was building an archive not only of her mother’s journey, but of a powerful, resilient caregiving community.
Finding Connection, Even in the Darkest Moments
One of the episode’s most touching themes is the importance of community. Show hosts Christy Byrne Yates and Marianne Sciucco both shared how isolation can creep in for caregivers, especially when family is far away or friends feel uncomfortable in the world of dementia. But as Kitty and cast member Roseanne Corcoran recalled, those first in-person meetings with virtual friends—born out of late-night blog comments and Zoom chats—felt instantly familiar. “Our hearts knew each other,” Roseanne shared. “We are tied together now.”
Balancing Honesty and Humor
Caregiving for someone with dementia is gut-wrenching. There are money worries, debates about home care versus memory care, and endless second-guessing. Kitty Norton doesn’t shy away from these topics in her film, but she also insists on finding “the funny.” As Christy pointed out, humor can be a crucial tool for survival: “I have to find the funny to get through it—because the other is so there all the time.” From cracking jokes at doctor’s offices to the adventures (and misadventures!) of filming with friends across the country, laughter remains a lifeline.
Breaking Stigma and Celebrating the Journey
Too often, dementia is portrayed as an immediate tragedy—a reason to retreat. But Wine, Women & Dementia shows there’s life after diagnosis. People living with dementia and their caregivers can still have rich, meaningful experiences with friends and family. “You don’t go home and die,” Kitty Norton reminds us. “You’ve got years ahead of you.” For every difficult day, there are celebrations, inside jokes, and late-night heart-to-hearts, just waiting to be shared.
Building Your Village
The resounding message from this episode? You are not alone. Whether you find your people through a blog, a podcast, a support group, or a film festival Q&A, there’s a world of caregivers—online and off—ready to celebrate your victories and hold you in the rough patches. As Kitty says, “Just start with one person… and go from there.”
If you’re navigating dementia care, or love someone who is, dive into the stories shared in this powerful episode, and consider joining one of our future film festival discussions—you never know who you’ll meet and what connection might be waiting.
Ready for more?
Catch Wine, Women & Dementia (and all our featured films) on our website through the end of the year.
Explore more resources, books, and supportive community at AlzAuthors.com.
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About the Podcast
AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here.
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