Glen Campbell Film Puts Alzheimer’s In The Spotlight

Glen Campbel I'll Be Mine: Documentary chronicles country artist’s battle with Alzheimer’s

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the memory-stealing disease and spread awareness of it, as well as the need for more research for detection and prevention. Last month, on October 24, a documentary was released that chronicles country artist, Glen Campbell’s, battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The release date comes at an appropriate time for reflecting on Alzheimer’s.

“Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me” is a portrait of the life and career of American music icon Glen Campbell who created hits like “Rhinestone Cowboy”, “Wichita Lineman”, and “Gentle on My Mind”. In 2011, when Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, he joined forces with his family to fight the biggest battle of his life. Glen and his wife, Kim, made history by going public with the diagnosis — the first time a major American celebrity would share this experience with the world. The Campbell family then embarked on a short ‘Goodbye Tour,’ but the three-week engagement turned into an emotional and triumphant 151-show nationwide tour de force.

Campbell’s official Facebook site posted a quote from his wife, Kim Campbell, who told Fox News how Glen “was passionate about making this film because he hoped it would be a catalyst for more funding for research to find a cure. He wanted to encourage other families who are dealing with this disease to keep living their lives, supporting each other and lifting each other up.”

Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible and progressive brain disease that slowly erodes precious memories, thinking skills, and the ability to perform simple tasks. It affects millions of Americans, including senior citizens as well as younger Americans with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Viewing this documentary is one great way to gain awareness and understanding of the disease from a unique angle. The backstory of this movie also illustrates the importance of understanding the legal matters regarding a Power of Attorney (POA).

 

Campbell Lawsuit Highlights POA Issues

Another lesson families of seniors can learn from this documentary is the backstory. That is, how serious responsibilities develop when we delegate authority to our agents by signing a Power of Attorney (POA) document.

A lawsuit against the country icon cites he broke an agreement for making the documentary. A contract was allegedly signed by Campbell’s agent on June 7, 2011 — just weeks before he publicly revealed his struggle with Alzheimer’s — and finalized June 30, one week after his announcement.

An Alzheimer’s patient increasingly relies on the decisions of people designated in the POA document. The agent, known as the attorney-in-fact, can bind the patient into agreements and contracts. Then, as the disease progresses, the attorney-in-fact becomes more and more responsible to protect the patient’s interests, settle disputes, and defend against claims and lawsuits.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, “The Record Company” (a Los Angeles-based production house) is claiming the documentary violates the agreement made in June 2011. Their deal was to develop a project about Campbell with director-producer James Keach. Instead of following through with the project, the production house claims it was “excluded from participating in the documentary in every way” despite its “exclusive” agreement with Campbell. According to the plaintiff, Glen’s “lawyer-agent made the deal for him. These people had power of attorney.”

During the agreement terms, the suit alleges Campbell began his Goodbye Tour and filming began on ‘I’ll Be Me’ and “collaborated with entities other than the Record Company to develop, produce and exploit the project.” Instead of turning to the Record Company, Campbell Enterprises worked with production company PCH Films.

What makes matters confusing in this case are the legal questions about the validity of contracts when signed by those stricken with Alzheimer’s is in question and the decisions made by their POA. It brings to the forefront, not only the dreadful disease, but the significant role a POA plays in important decisions.

 

If you’re a caregiver for a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, there are a great number of senior living options and services available to help, including senior residences with Alzheimer’s specialty services.

Alternatives for Seniors is a print and online directory that specifically caters to the housing and personal care concerns of senior citizens and their families since 1992. Call our Senior Specialists at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) or visit the Alternatives for Seniors website to begin searching for the perfect home for you or your loved ones. Also, be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Twitter.

 

BLOG Date: Friday, November 21, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen