Planet Alzheimer’s: Film, Poetry, and the Human Spirit with Mary Crescenzo
- S2025E152
- 55:02
- September 16th 2025
Welcome to a special episode of the AlzAuthors podcast, part of our first-ever Film Festival! Celebrating our 10th anniversary, host Marianne Sciucco sits down with acclaimed arts educator, author, and filmmaker Mary Crescenzo to explore the transformative role of the arts in dementia care.
In this heartfelt conversation, Mary shares her journey from early experiences in nursing homes to the creation of her poetic play-turned-film, "Planet A." We discuss her innovative, age-blind casting, the real-life stories inspiring her work, and practical strategies caregivers can use to bring arts engagement into dementia care—at home or in care facilities.
Whether you’re navigating Alzheimer’s in your family, working in dementia care, or seeking creative approaches to foster dignity and connection, this episode is filled with inspiring insights and actionable tips.
Key Topics Covered:
- Dementia Care & the Arts: Mary describes how music, visual art, dance, storytelling, and poetry can spark joy, communication, and connection for people living with dementia.
- How the Arts Can Reduce Isolation: Real examples showing that engaging in the arts can counteract boredom, boost mood, and foster community in care settings.
- Art Activities for Caregivers: Practical advice and encouragement for caregivers to use arts engagement at home—even if you don’t see yourself as an artist!
- Readings from the Film: Moving excerpts from Mary’s poetry, capturing the emotional landscape of people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Quotes:
- “Everyone should be engaged in the arts to whatever level, because it’s so beneficial to heart and mind and life.” – Mary Crescenzo
- “Boredom is huge. People decline when they’re bored. But you give them something creative, they light up.” – Marianne Sciucco
- “You don’t have to be an artist to make a difference – just pick up a pencil, sing together, or sway to music.” - Mary Crescenzo
Takeaways:
- Try simple creative activities—drawing, music, singing, storytelling—regularly, not just once.
- Don’t let fear or “not being an artist” stop you. The benefits are in doing, not perfection.
- Engaging in the arts brings meaning, dignity, and even joy to those living with dementia.
- The arts can transform not only the person with dementia but also relieve and uplift caregivers.
- Seek out support, community, and inspiration—you are not alone!
Resources and Links:
- Watch "Planet A" – available until year-end on YouTube. Register at AlzAuthors.com to receive link
- Buy Mary Crescenzo’s Book: "The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide – 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own" on Amazon
- Visit AlzAuthors Website for a wealth of caregiver resources
- Learn about Creative Writing Workshops for Caregivers: Contact Mary Crescenzo
- Subscribe to our Podcast: Available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio and more.
- Follow AlzAuthors on Social: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter/X and Blue Sky for daily support, book recommendations, and community stories.
Don’t miss our continuing film festival—visit our website for upcoming screenings, panel discussions, and more creative resources for the dementia journey.
If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, share, and leave us a review! For more stories and support, visit alzauthors.com.
Meet 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.
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AlzAuthors: Untangling Alzheimer's & Dementia
Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast! We’re so glad you found us. We are the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Join us each week as one of our authors shares their dementia journey, revealing intimate details and painfully obtained knowledge to help others currently on this path. We hope our stories offer comfort and support as we strive to break the silence and stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis. May one of our authors speak to your experience. For more info please visit https://alzauthors.com.
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.
Meet Our Hosts
Marianne Sciucco is a registered nurse, dementia daughter, and author of the novel Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story, based on a couple she met through her work. It is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart-wrenching disease. Marianne cared for hundreds of dementia patients over a 20+-year nursing career. She provided care to her stepfather during his dementia journey, and witnessed the painful decline of four beloved aunts to the disease. She's a founding member of AlzAuthors, sits on the Board, and is a director and manager. She can talk about AlzAuthors all day.
Christy Byrne Yates is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), retired school psychologist, author, speaker and coach/consultant. Her book, Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation recounts her journey as a working mother of two who also managed the care of her parents, both of whom had some form of dementia. Combining her lived experience with her professional expertise in human development, wellness and a strengths based approach to finding solutions, Christy develops content, workshops and coaching to support Sandwiched families. She incorporates meditation, mindfulness and other evidence based mind/body practices into her work. She’s worked with care communities, financial professionals, estate planners and employers. Christy has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and graduate credentials in both education and school psychology.
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AlzAuthors is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. The podcast is one way we provide knowledge, comfort, and support to busy caregivers desperate for information. Your generosity will help us to continue our mission to lift the silence and stigma that often accompanies a dementia diagnosis. Please consider making a donation. Thank you.