"The Jennings v Alzheimer’s," a documentary aired on BBC Two and available on iPlayer, tells the story of the Jennings family's involvement in pivotal Alzheimer's disease research. In the 1980s, Carol Jennings, diagnosed with familial Alzheimer's, responded to Professor Sir John Hardy's call for families with a history of the disease to contribute to genetic research. Her detailed family tree allowed Hardy to identify a significant mutation related to the disease.
The documentary explores the scientific progress made from Carol’s contribution, including the development of the drug lecanemab, recently approved in the US for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s. Intertwined with the medical discoveries are the personal stories of Carol’s family, particularly her children, John and Emily Jennings, who face the possibility of inheriting the disease. John participates in ongoing research, whereas Emily opts against genetic testing.
The film, balancing scientific achievements and the personal toll of Alzheimer's, concludes with the peaceful passing of Carol Jennings in March 2024, who donated her brain for further research, continuing her legacy in combating the disease.