We Need to Be Talking About This

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MOVIE REVIEW
Have You Heard About Greg?
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2021 (Filmocracy Fest), 2022 (Wider release)
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Steve Ecclesine
Writer(s): Greg O'Brien
Cast: Greg O'Brien, Lisa Genova, Doug Scalise
Where To Watch: Set for release in select theaters nationwide, including Los Angeles and New York, on May 6.

First and foremost, I would like to thank Greg O'Brien for writing an incredible film and starring in it as well. He shines a much-needed light on one of the most terrible diseases that can happen to someone. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are terrifying, and this documentary showed how scary it is.

Some facts are all too telling about the state of this disease. “More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. In 2020, COVID-19 contributed to a 17% increase in Alzheimer's and dementia deaths. In 2022, Alzheimer's and other dementias will cost the nation $321 billion. By 2050, these costs could reach nearly $1 trillion. Fewer than 1 in 5 Americans are familiar with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be an early stage of Alzheimer's. 90% of physicians say it's important to diagnose MCI due to Alzheimer's, but over half say they are not fully comfortable diagnosing it.”

This is such a unique film because it’s told from the perspective of someone battling the disease themselves. That’s so unique because traditionally, someone with Alzheimer's wouldn't be able to do the things O’Brien does. He’s able to tell his story thanks in part to his writing history; I find that to be such an inspiring story, not to mention thought-provoking. The fact that his lifetime of writing has caused him to be able to extend the full onset at least is incredible.

While there is still a long battle to go, strides are being made in research; hopefully, films like this help spread the awareness and the importance of research. The film also tackles several other important topics, such as the battle for quality of life and treatments to prolong a life that isn’t being lived to its fullest.

I like how the movie didn’t just go on about what we need to do but offered suggestions on what we could do to make a difference. How we as individuals can do things to make a change. Ultimately the most important thing is to talk, talk about funding, talk about the disease, and talk to your family and friends. Raise awareness, help with a fundraiser, share educational articles, etc. Get the word out to others, and it’s free. The more people talk and know about it, the more likely we find a cure.

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