Alzheimer's Caregiver turned Movie Producer Honored in New York

National Alzheimer’s Awareness month happens each year in November. During the month, organizations promote awareness for people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and their caretakers.

During the course of the year, studies on new potential treatments were announced and outspoken voices rose up to spread awareness in these sometimes marginalized communities.

In his own journey, Pat Moffett continues to make his voice heard on the subject of the disease and most importantly, from his perspective, to help give a voice to the millions of caretakers around the world. His seminal book, Ice Cream in the Cupboard, has a film adaption that was widely distributed earlier this year. Through both his book and film, Pat continues to provide insight to families, friends and professionals new to the experience of dementia, especially early-onset alzheimers.

Recently the film was picked up by multiple international airlines, so the story and film will reach an even wider audience than ever before. The film can also be viewed on a variety of streaming services.

In November, Pat was highlighted at a very special event. The Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center held their annual Cocktails and Casino Night. This fundraiser benefits those utilizing the center and helps provide much needed resources to families and support networks. Although Alzheimers and Dementia are devastating for those affected, this night was anything but tragic.

The sounds of clattering dice, rolling wheels, and laughter filled the room as people happily gambled for a good cause. At the end of the event, Pat was recognized as this year’s Spotlight Caregiver Advocate.

The Spotlight Caregiver Advocate is a recognition for an individual who has been a caregiver for someone with Alzhiemer’s or Dementia and has done significant work in raising awareness for this disease. Pat’s recognition comes after the 2020 release of his film “Ice Cream in the Cupboard'' which is based on his book of the same name. Ice Cream in the Cupboard illustrates his caregiver story after his late wife’s diagnosis of Early-Onset Alzhiemer’s and their journey as the disease progressed.

Pat has made it his ongoing mission to support caregivers and bring awareness to the challenges of caregiving and the disease, specifically the early-onset form, which his late wife suffered from. This form of Alzheimer’s affects people younger than 65 and affects around 200,000 Americans—however, diagnosis and awareness are difficult hurdles to get past. This is where Pat’s work is so impactful and helpful to those living with the disease and for families who are just discovering this with their loved ones.

Pat has been honest and open about sharing this heart-wrenching story, and about how it affected his and his family’s lives both during and after the diagnosis and progression. Most people would shy away from thinking about such a painful experience in their lives, but Pat has used this experience to become more empathetic and passionate to those affected.

Because of his outstanding work in this field, the Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center granted him the honor of being their Spotlight Caregiver Advocate. Pat was recognized in front of his peers and gave a short, moving speech about his work.

“I think she would have been proud of me,” Pat said of the award, referring to his late wife.

Once the awards were announced, and the applause died down, everyone returned to the tables and the laughter and commotion resumed. Although many days for those in caregiver positions can feel like being in the trenches, fighting against an unseeable foe—on this night it seemed like the world got a little brighter, and that burden felt a little lighter.

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The holiday season can be even more difficult for those suffering with this disease, and their caretakers. But it also gives us time to reflect, recenter, and look forward to the new year. As this year draws to a close, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from Pat and the team.

About Pat Moffett

Pat lived in Great Neck, Long island for over 50 years and was formerly Vice President of Voxx International Corp. in Hauppauge.