An intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s
Presented by
Matter of Mind: My Alzheimer’s is the third film in the Matter of Mind series, which explores neurodegenerative diseases. Carlos Olivas III and his father Carlos Olivas, Jr. from the Caregiving short film Role Models are featured in this intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s and how this progressive neurodegenerative disease transforms roles and relationships. Whether it’s a partner becoming a caregiver or an adult child shifting into being their parent’s caregiver, these stories show how families evolve when a loved one is diagnosed. The other films in the series include Matter of Mind: My ALS and Matter of Mind: My Parkinson’s.
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.
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INDEPENDENT LENS is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series. With founding executive producer Lois Vossen, the series has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations and features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Acton Family Giving, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Stream anytime on the PBS App. For
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ABOUT ITVS
Independent Television Services (ITVS) is the largest co-producer of independent documentaries in the United States. For more than 30 years, the San Francisco nonprofit has funded and partnered with documentary filmmakers to produce and distribute untold stories. ITVS incubates and coproduces these award-winning titles and premieres them on our Emmy Award-winning PBS series, INDEPENDENT LENS. ITVS titles appear on PBS, WORLD, NETA, and can be streamed on various digital platforms including the PBS App. ITVS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Acton Family Giving, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Wyncote Foundation. For more information, visit itvs.org.
MATTER OF MIND: MY ALZHEIMER’S is a co-production of Kairos Cinema LLC and Independent Television Service (ITVS), with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). This program was produced by Kairos Cinema LLC which is solely responsible for its content. © 2025 Kairos Cinema LLC. All rights reserved.