By Marianne Sciucco, New York, USA
The holidays can be especially poignant for those touched by dementia and Alzheimer’s. In this Untangling Alzheimer’s and Dementia podcast episode, hosts Marianne Sciucco and Christy Byrne Yates welcome filmmaker, author, and advocate C. Nathaniel Brown — also known as “Chuck” — to discuss his award-winning short film, “The Present.” This episode beautifully wraps up AlzAuthors’ first-ever film festival by delving into the complexities of grief, the importance of legacy, and the many ways storytelling and art can support those on the dementia journey. They’re joined by fellow filmmakers and festival participants Susie Singer Carter and Kitty Norton, as well as several film viewers.
The Origin of “The Present”
Marianne describes “The Present” as a moving short film set a year after the loss of a parent to dementia—a “natural conclusion” to the dementia caregiver journey. Chuck shares that the inspiration came from deeply personal experiences: he has lost many family members to dementia and reflected on what his family could have done differently to preserve memories and foster connection.
Determined to turn those reflections into action, Chuck gathered friends and colleagues—on a purely volunteer basis—to create a film that would resonate with families facing the ongoing challenges of memory loss and grief, especially during the holidays.
Capturing Memories: The Gift of the Present
A central theme in both Chuck’s film and the conversation is the enduring value of preserving memories—through photos, videos, stories, or even collaborative creative projects. Christy shares her own family tradition of “the Christmas book,” where everyone contributes an entry each year, highlighting how small consistent acts of memory-making can become priceless gifts to future generations.
Chuck expands on this, sharing how he’s made memory-building an intentional endeavor with his children and grandchildren, publishing books and recording songs together. For him, these tangible memories are a “present”—both in the sense of a gift and as a call to action to cherish the present moment.
Navigating Grief—A Personal and Communal Journey
The discussion openly addresses the different and deeply personal ways people experience grief after a loved one’s passing. Podcast guests and participants reflected on how digital reminders, photos, or new technologies (like AI-driven recreations of someone’s voice or image) can trigger comfort or pain depending on where someone is in their grieving process.
What is universal, it seems, is the importance of connection. Chuck emphasizes not isolating oneself during the first holidays apart from a loved one and seeking the company of people who care, even if it’s simply to sit together in silence. Grief isn’t linear, nor is it the same for everyone, and the episode gently reminds listeners to approach both themselves and others with sensitivity.
Tough Questions, New Approaches
The show doesn’t shy away from examining thorny issues—like the potential for AI to “recreate” deceased loved ones, or the cultural factors that shape how we remember and talk about loss. The conversation also touches on practical terms like “anosognosia” (a lack of awareness of one’s own health condition, often seen in dementia) and the importance of direct education for families, especially in underrepresented communities.
Looking Forward: More Than Film, A Lifelong Mission
Chuck’s advocacy isn’t limited to film. He shares plans for future books, TED Talks, music projects, art exhibitions, and the upcoming Exposed Dementia conference—demonstrating how storytelling in all forms can educate, connect, and heal.
Takeaways
- Actively creating, preserving, and sharing memories is a gift for both now and the future.
- Grief after dementia is unique, ongoing, and worthy of discussion and community support.
- Storytelling—through film, writing, or art—helps break the silence and stigma surrounding dementia.
- Connection, not isolation, is vital during difficult milestones like the first holiday after a loss.
- New approaches (including the arts and groundbreaking technology) offer both opportunities and challenges in how we remember, mourn, and heal.
Resources & Further Support
- Watch “The Present” and other festival films. SIgn up for the links at AlzAuthors Film Festival. Links expire 12/31/2025.
- Explore more from C. Nathaniel Brown including details on the Exposed Dementia Conference Film Festival & Art Exhibit (March 2026)at Exposed Dementia Inc.
- Discover our dementia resources: Over 150 podcast episodes, 100’s of quality books, blogs, and more at AlzAuthors.com.
Learn about the Moderators
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. 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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