Gena Rowlands, the award-winning actress known for her role in 'The Notebook,' has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, revealed by her son, director Nick Cassavetes. Rowlands, who is now 94, portrayed an older Allie Hamilton suffering from dementia in the 2004 film, a role she drew from her personal experience as her mother, Lady Rowlands, also had Alzheimer's. Cassavetes expressed the poignant irony of their situation, having worked extensively to authentically depict Alzheimer's in the movie. The diagnosis comes five years after the onset of her symptoms, placing Rowlands in full dementia now. This revelation has drawn parallels with other celebrities, such as Bruce Willis, who is also battling dementia. The news has sparked an outpouring of support and raised awareness about the disease.