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In this episode of The Empowering Neurologist Podcast, we had the profound pleasure of reconnecting with my longtime friend and now filmmaker, Max Lugavere, the creative force behind the deeply moving documentary Little Empty Boxes. Max, who is as articulate as he is passionate, took us through the deeply personal journey that led to the making of his film—a narrative woven from love, loss, and the quest for understanding dementia.

The genesis of Little Empty Boxes is as poignant as it is inspiring. Max shared the moment his life changed during what was meant to be a serene summer vacation: his mother, Kathy, was unable to recall the current year, a lapse that signaled the onset of her cognitive decline. This incident wasn't just a fleeting moment of forgetfulness; it was the beginning of a challenging journey through the landscape of dementia, a condition affecting over 55 million people worldwide.

Moved by his mother's struggle, Max returned to New York City, transitioning from a concerned son to a determined researcher, diving deep into the complexities of dementia. The film follows his exploration of innovative approaches beyond conventional medication, aiming to slow the progression of his mother's illness.

Max described Little Empty Boxes as a project that "crept in, claws out." It wasn’t a film he planned, but one that emerged from necessity. His mother's worsening condition was harrowing to witness, but it birthed a purpose that transcended personal pain. Max emphasized that the film isn’t centered on definitive medical answers or miraculous recoveries. Instead, it presents a raw, messy, and intimately personal look into the life of a dementia patient and the daily realities of their caretakers.

One of the most touching moments in our conversation was Max’s reflection on the film as a tribute to his mother and a love letter to the science of dementia prevention. He hopes that by sharing his mother's story, the film will not only shine a light on ways to delay or prevent this devastating condition but also encourage viewers to cherish every memory. "It's about making the most of what remains, together," Max remarked, highlighting the film’s focus on the human elements of love, memory, and resilience.

Our discussion with Max was more than just an interview; it was an exploration of the emotional and scientific facets of dementia through the lens of a devoted son's experience. For anyone who has witnessed the impacts of dementia firsthand, or for those interested in the intersections of film and real-world issues, Little Empty Boxes offers a compelling narrative that is both educational and deeply moving.

Watch Little Empty Boxes here: https://littleemptyboxes.com/

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0:00 Intro

3:49 The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

8:09 How Medicine Failed Max’s Mom

12:07 How Fraudulent Research Clouded Our Knowledge

18:14 Making “Little Empty Boxes”

26:06 Bringing the Prevention Conversation to the Masses

35:50 Conclusion

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Max Lugavere is a health and science journalist, filmmaker, and bestselling author. He is the author of the Genius trilogy of books, including the New York Times bestseller Genius Foods and the Wall Street Journal bestseller Genius Kitchen. He hosts The Genius Life podcast, one of the top health and wellness podcasts in the U.S, and has an audience of over 1.5 million followers across social media.

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