Walk With Me is a film directed by Heidi Levitt, the wife of Charlie Hess who has early on-set Alzheimer’s. The film explores his decline, her efforts as a care-giver and where health research led the couple.
As someone whose mother has had early on-set dementia for 10 years, I can confirm how difficult this disease is to navigate for everyone involved. What was most touching about this film is how the couple had documented their lives before Heidi started filming Charlie’s cognitive decline. You can see them young and in love, both in their prime, Charlie an artist working for magazines and how it starts to deteriorate with his mind.
What’s also extremely accurate is the fatigue and loss of temper experienced between both parties. The caregiver finds it challenging to navigate losing their loved one, and having to parent an adult. The person with the cognitive decline finds it hard to lose communication skills, is frustrated with themselves and those around them being unable to understand what they want and often lose their temper because of these. These tensions, mixed with love and tenderness are perfectly shown in Walk With Me.
The couple share moments of tenderness with their children and together explore various medical options offered in the US. Through the film, you watch them navigate their relationship, being parents, having responsibilities and the new third person in their relationship: Alzheimer’s. This movie is great, but a tear jerker if you know anyone with this illness.
Hillary LeBlanc
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