Indian Cinema Raises Consciousness About Dementia

Thanmathra, starring Mohanlal , depicts the cognitive decline of Ramesan, a government employee with early-onset Alzheimer's, and the impact on his family.

Astu follows the life of a Sanskrit scholar with Alzheimer's disease who leaves home and is taken in by a kind mahout (a caregiver to elephants) and his daughter. The film explores the scholar's life before and during the progression of dementia, highlighting the impact on his family.

These films provide insights into the diagnosis process, early symptoms and emotional and psychological aspects that people living with Alzheimer's and their families face.

Other films not only highlight important issues surrounding dementia but also raise questions about how audiences may interpret these depictions.

“Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara” (Hindi, 2005) stars Anupam Kher, as a retired professor living with dementia who begins to believe he is responsible for Mohandas Gandhi's death after a childhood trauma surfaces.

The film portrays the initial symptoms and the family's struggles with his care, and could be understood to allude to evidence that a history of psychological distress can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The ending has a dramatic scene, which might mislead viewers into believing in unrealistic treatments for dementia.

“Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu” (Kannada, 2016), starring Anant Nag, weaves between the present confusion and past life of Venkob Rao, a person living with Alzheimer's who goes missing from his retirement home.

While the film portrays the character in a somewhat idealized manner, it highlights caregivers' emotional struggles and enriching interactions with the person living with dementia, emphasizing the significance of love, forbearance and understanding in caregiving. Such values align with research advocating for family-centred care models .

“Black” (Hindi, 2005), starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, primarily focuses on the challenges faced by a woman living with visual and auditory impairments and her teacher, who later develops Alzheimer's disease. The film's portrayal of dementia includes some accurate depictions of early confusion and disorientation.

However, the overall depiction could be more extensive. Certain elements, such as chaining the character to a bed in a hospital, are highly dramatized and not reflective of appropriate care practices.

“U Me Aur Hum” (Hindi, 2008), starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol, revolves around a young woman who develops early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The film is notable for showing some realistic symptoms of early-onset dementia, something lesser discussed in society.

However, the film quickly veers into melodrama with the narrative suggesting love and determination alone can conquer the condition's challenges, oversimplifying the complex realities of living with dementia.

“Belashuru” (Bengali, 2022) focuses on an aging couple whose wife is living with dementia, and the family tries various methods to help her recognize her husband again. The film, starring the late actors Soumitra Chatterjee and Swatilekha Sengupta , depicts some realistic symptoms of the wife's dementia, including the importance of person-centred care.

However, the portrayal of the wife's complete dependence on her husband could eclipse the fact that many individuals with dementia lead meaningful lives with varying degrees of independence. The film also stretches credulity with specific plot points.

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Strategies for navigating dementia

“Smile Please” (Marathi, 2019), also tells a story surrounding early-onset dementia, in the character Nandini (Mukta Barve), a young photographer. The film depicts her coping mechanisms and support she receives from family and friends to maintain her quality of life. For example, the doctor starts her on medications to manage her symptoms but clarifies that there is no cure.

Nandini starts to attend sessions with her physician where she does puzzles and other cognitive activities to keep herself engaged. However, viewers should note it is unrealistic for a physician to do these; it is often community support organizations that facilitate social, physical and cognitive activities.

Reducing the stigma of dementia

By featuring characters living with dementia, these films help make the condition more relatable and less stigmatized . They may encourage viewers to empathize with people living with dementia and their caregivers, promoting a more compassionate societal attitude.

However, dramatization and romanticization of dementia in some films can reinforce stereotypes, while exaggerated symptoms and dramatic narratives may lead to misconceptions about the everyday realities of living with dementia.

Every individual has a unique journey with dementia, and many individuals with dementia lead meaningful lives with varying degrees of independence. Learning more about dementia, and discussing its popular representation in Indian film, is one way to help bolster culturally inclusive care.

Navjot Gill-Chawla is a doctoral candidate in aging, health and well-being at the University of Waterloo .

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

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