Gena Rowlands has Alzheimer’s, son Nick Cassavetes reveals: ‘She’s in full dementia’

Actor Gena Rowlands, 94, has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for years, her son revealed in a recent interview. When Oscar winner Gena Rowlands appeared in “The Notebook” 20 years ago, she starred as an older version of Rachel McAdams’ character who was living with Alzheimer’s. The prolific 94-year-old actor, who is the widow of director John Cassavetes, has Alzheimer’s, her son and “The Notebook” director Nick Cassavetes revealed in a recent interview. Movies ‘It’s awfully nice’ to be awarded an honorary Oscar, Gena Rowlands says Gena Rowlands has attended the Academy Awards only twice — when she was nominated for lead actress for the acclaimed 1974 drama “Woman Under the Influence” and the 1980 crime thriller “Gloria,” both directed by her late husband, John Cassavetes. He told EW that he is still proud of “The Notebook” 20 years later: “I’m just happy that it exists.” Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that progresses over time.