By Jordan Wilcox
Assistant Publisher
Dementia is a tragic, progressive decline in mental ability that causes memory loss, cognitive deterioration, and functional impairment. It affects more than 55 million people worldwide and is the seventh-leading cause of death. Its most well-known subset, Alzheimer’s disease, accounts for 60–70% of cases.
Scott Moore, vice president of the Moore Theatre chain, understands the disease on a deeply personal level. He and his wife, Laurie, were “blessed” to serve as full-time caregivers for Laurie’s mother, who lived with dementia and resided in their home for nearly two years. In a Facebook post, Laurie described the experience as “one of the most rewarding, yet isolating and lonely experiences” of her life.
That personal connection made the decision an easy one when Ellia Flejtuch, a 24-year-old graduate student at Western Michigan University, approached Moore Theatres with an idea to host a safe, welcoming movie experience for people living with dementia. Scott and Laurie immediately supported the concept.
On February 1, the theatre chain announced the launch of its Dementia-Friendly Movie Program, which Moore Theatres said is the first of its kind in West Michigan. The program will be hosted at the company’s Plainwell location, M-89 Cinema, and will feature one showing per month with lights left on, lower sound volume, and extra space for attendees to sing, clap, dance, and enjoy time together.
The announcement was met with an overwhelmingly positive response on social media. Within 48 hours, the Facebook post had received dozens of comments, hundreds of likes, and hundreds of shares.
Commenters praised the Moores for offering the program, and many shared personal stories about deceased family members who lived with dementia, noting that they would have appreciated an opportunity like this during that time.
The inaugural screening, scheduled for February, will feature the 1952 classic Singin’ in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds. The showing will take place on Tuesday, February 17, at 1 p.m., with doors opening at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free, and a small popcorn-and-drink combo will be available for $4. M-89 Cinema is located at 392 Cross Oaks Drive in Plainwell.
Those interested in attending are asked to email Ellia Flejtuch at eflejtuch23@outlook.com to RSVP or sign up to volunteer by Friday, February 13. Registration is encouraged but not required.
Future showings are already planned, with Meet Me in St. Louis scheduled for March, followed by Harvey in April.
