Gena Rowlands' Alzheimer's diagnosis: Son Nick Cassavetes says 'The Notebook' actress is 'full dementia'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Legendary actress Gena Rowlands has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

‘The Notebook’ actress ironically portrayed the character of a woman suffering from dementia in the 2004 hit flick.

Gena Rowlands' son Nick Cassavetes reveals her Alzheimer's diagnosis

Rowlands’ son and film director Nick Cassavetes shared with Entertainment Weekly about her present medical condition while 'The Notebook’ film celebrates its 20th anniversary.

"I got my mom to play older Allie, and we spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer's and wanting to be authentic with it, and now, for the last five years, she's had Alzheimer's," shared Cassavetes

"She's in full dementia. And it's so crazy — we lived it, she acted it, and now it's on us," he added.

Cassavetes said he cherishes the movie as he got to work with his mother together, "It's always a shock to hear that as much time has gone by as it has, but it makes sense. I'm just happy that it exists."

He added, "It seems to have worked and I'm very proud of it."

Gena Rowlands' mother, Lady Rowlands, also suffered from dementia

Back in 2004, Rowlands opened up about how her mother struggled with Dementia, and this was a key reason she agreed to play Allie in the movie.

"This last one — The Notebook, based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks — was particularly hard because I play a character who has Alzheimer's," Rowlands told O Magazine.

Her mother, Lady Rowlands, died in 1999 at age 95 years after also having lived with dementia.

"I went through that with my mother, and if Nick hadn't directed the film, I don't think I would have gone for it — it's just too hard. It was a tough but wonderful movie," she added.

‘The Notebook', is based on Nicholas Sparks’ debut 1996 novel of the same name.

Fans pray for Gena Rowlands' good health amid Alzheimer's diagnosis

Netizens shared their prayers and adored the iconic actress on social media.

A fan wrote on Facebook, "Loved her in Once Around which was a great movie."

"I love The Notebook - it’s probably my favorite movie. I’m so sorry to hear Gena is suffering from this awful disease," another expressed.

One person shared, "I'm so sorry to hear this. Prayers to all and I hope you are able to have moments of lucidity together ❤️."

"I absolutely loved her and Hope Floats. My heart goes out to her family and her as well," a user prayed.

Another wrote, "Praying for her family during this time. Dementia is one of the hardest illnesses to go through with someone you love."

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