ADRC-Sponsored Film “Singin’ in the Rain” for People With Dementia and Their Caregivers

More than 65 people with dementia or memory impairment and their caregivers attended a showing of the classic 1952 film Singin’ in the Rain on August 20, hosted by the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center (ADRC). The state-funded center is housed within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University. The special event was held at the historic Utah Theatre, in collaboration with the Utah chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Utah Theatre in downtown Logan.

“We wanted to engage people in our community who are living with memory loss, as well as their caregivers,” said Beth Fauth, director of the ADRC. “Our goal was to give them a free event to enjoy together, and to let them know about the resources we have at the ADRC and from the Alzheimer’s Association. I think we achieved these goals. We had a large turn out and people had a great time.”

Joann Larsen, activity coordinator at Maple Springs, a local assisted living and memory care facility, promoted the movie outing to the residents and immediately received an enthusiastic response. Larsen and her team ultimately brought fifteen seniors to the event. “Our residents had a such a good time,” Larsen said. “It was the best attended activity we’ve had in a long time. They loved the drinks and popcorn.”

Larsen added, “One woman told me she remembers skipping church when she was a young girl to come to the Utah Theatre on Sundays. She is a memory care patient now, but she immediately recognized the theatre when she walked inside.”

Representatives of the ADRC and the Alzheimer’s Association served as ushers and parking attendants. To enhance accessibility, the film was presented with subtitles and the lights in the theatre were just slightly dimmed.

The Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Research Center is committed to supporting the rapidly growing number of adults in Utah who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, as well as those who care for them. Its mission is to build a collaborative research infrastructure where individuals throughout the state can be involved and informed on the latest dementia research, learn about best practices in dementia care, and find resources for emotional and practical support. The ADRC endeavors to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as to learn more about the many facets of the illness to better help those experiencing it and their loved ones.