Thoughtful Television and Movie Choices for People Living with Dementia

People with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are often very sensitive to emotional and vocal cues. A distressed character in a film or television show can make someone with dementia feel genuinely upset, even after the show ends. While it may seem overbearing to “censor” the television, showing violent programming (including the news) can cause unnecessary anxiety for people with dementia who are already contending with so much.

We all have made unwitting mistakes in my screen selections. High-definition televisions with large screens can be startlingly realistic. People may believe that what they see on the screen is happening in real time, which can be terrifying.

So why not just skip screen time? Because television and movies can bring people great joy. Many shows and images are familiar and comforting. They may also spark positive memories and laughter. When watching with a group, television can become an easy, low-pressure way to socialize.

Peggy Cahill, program coordinator for the nonprofit Artists for Alzheimer’s (ARTZ), partnered with a movie theater in Massachusetts to host events for people with dementia. Feedback from families and staff showed that participants often experienced improved mood, longer attention spans, and increased communication and engagement after viewing films together.

It’s impossible to catch every potential trigger in television and movies, but it helps to have a list of safe, engaging options nearby.

Television Shows (Comforting, Familiar, or Gentle Viewing)

Classic & Nostalgic Favorites

• The Mary Tyler Moore Show

• The Andy Griffith Show

• I Love Lucy

• Happy Days

• The Golden Girls

• Gilligan’s Island

• Leave It to Beaver

• The Brady Bunch

• Bewitched

• I Dream of Jeannie

• The Waltons

• Little House on the Prairie

• MAS*H (select episodes—lighter ones)

Variety, Comedy & Light Entertainment

• The Carol Burnett Show

• The Three Stooges

• America’s Funniest Home Videos

• Dancing with the Stars

• The Lawrence Welk Show

Relaxing & Low-Stress Modern Options

• The Great British Bake Off

• Antiques Roadshow

• Love It or List It

• Fixer Upper

• Planet Earth (select calm episodes only)

• Bluey (surprisingly soothing for all ages)

Music-Based Programming

• Classic concert specials (Elvis, Frank Sinatra, etc.)

• PBS music specials

• Sing-along programs

Movies (Feel-Good, Musical, or Nostalgic)

Classics & Musicals

• Singin’ in the Rain

• The Sound of Music

• The Music Man

• Oklahoma!

• South Pacific

• Easter Parade

• Guys and Dolls

Lighthearted & Romantic Classics

• It Happened One Night

• Bringing Up Baby

• Some Like It Hot

• Barefoot in the Park

• Roman Holiday

Family-Friendly Favorites

• The Wizard of Oz

• Mary Poppins

• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

• The Parent Trap

• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Feel-Good & Gentle Dramas

• Fried Green Tomatoes

• Field of Dreams

• Driving Miss Daisy

• On Golden Pond

Nature & Visual Films (Use with Caution)

• March of the Penguins

• National Parks documentaries (preview first)

More Recent Gentle Options

• Julie & Julia

• The Intern

• Paddington / Paddington 2

• Mamma Mia!

Considerations for Younger-Onset (Early-Onset) Dementia

Younger-onset dementia (typically diagnosed before age 65) presents unique challenges. Individuals may still be physically active, socially engaged, and interested in more contemporary content.

Recommended Adjustments:

• Choose modern but low-stress programming (avoid violence, suspense, or fast-paced editing)

• Include content reflecting their generation (80s, 90s, or early 2000s)

• Incorporate humor and music they grew up with

Good Options for Younger Audiences:

• Friends

• Full House

• The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

• Seinfeld

• The Office (select calmer episodes)

• Cooking shows or travel shows

• Music documentaries from their era

What Research Suggests

Emerging research and dementia care best practices highlight a few key points:

• Familiarity matters most: Content from a person’s young adulthood is often the most comforting and engaging

• Emotion lasts longer than memory: Even if someone forgets the plot, they retain how the show made them feel

• Avoid overstimulation: Loud sounds, rapid scene changes, or dramatic tension can trigger anxiety

• Shorter formats are helpful: Sitcoms, clips, and episodic content are often easier to follow

• Watch together when possible: Shared viewing enhances connection and allows you to monitor reactions

  
  

Tips for Choosing Appropriate Content

• Preview content ahead of time

• Avoid: violence, disaster scenes, suspense, and distressing news

• Keep volume at a comfortable level

• Use subtitles if helpful (early-stage dementia)

• Be ready to switch programs if distress occurs

• Favor joy, humor, music, and nostalgia

Television and movies, when chosen thoughtfully, can be powerful tools for connection, comfort, and joy. With a little planning, screen time can become not just entertainment—but meaningful engagement.