The dissemination of health information through videos is possible. American cinema, encompassing several regional film sectors, holds sway over public perceptions and institutional norms.
The understanding of dementia is also influenced by the influence of movies on caregivers and movie critics. Additionally, medical researchers have examined the impact of dementia on Indian film and compared how these movies can help people understand degenerative social issues.
Dementia, a complicated situation affecting memory, mental functions and behavior, typically carries stigma and misunderstanding in some communities, including South Eastern communities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most popular type of memory. It involves parts of the brain that control thought, recollection and language.
My analysis focuses on understanding the experiences of dementia patients and their caregivers in South Asian American communities, as well as their knowledge of memory.
Indian film has helped raise awareness and foster empathy for memory. More subtle and precise depictions may help to inform the public about what can be expected and prevent reinforcing stereotypes. These depictions may serve as inspiration for best practices for helping those who have dementia.
studies and ethnically diverse care
Research highlights the value of dementia-related ethnically diverse attention. According to research, dementia can be quickly diagnosed and managed by social values and stigmas.
American cinema, with its wide reach, may play a key role in addressing these cultural barriers.
American pictures can inform audiences about early signs, treatment options, and the value of sympathetic care-giving environments by incorporating accurate and sensitive portrayals of memory.
Practical, extensive portrayals
Films like” Thanmathra”, ( 2005, Malayalam ) and” Astu”, ( 2013, Marathi ) helped bring discussion of Alzheimer’s and dementia into public discourse in South Asian communities. Both of these movies excel in portraying dementia in realistic and comprehensive terms.
Thanmathra, starring Mohanlal, depicts the mental collapse of Ramesan, a federal employee with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and the effect on his home.
Astu follows the life of an elderly Sanskrit scholar who has Alzheimer’s disease and is adopted by an enemy ( a elephant carer ) and his daughter. The video explores the professor’s life before and during the growth of memory, highlighting the effect on his family.
These movies provide information on the first symptoms, earlier signs, and emotional and psychological ramifications that Alzheimer’s patients and their families go through.
How caregivers are managed by people
Other movies raise significant issues with dementia and also raise concerns about how viewers might interpret these portrayals.
” 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 movie makes reference to the family’s struggles with his care and the primary symptoms, which could serve as a gist of the fact that a history of emotional distress can raise the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. A dramatic scene in the final scene could persuade viewers into thinking that dementia is treated in an exaggerated manner.
” 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.
The movie emphasizes the importance of love, patience, and understanding in caregiving, while also focusing on caregivers ‘ emotional challenges and enriching relationships with the people living with dementia. These beliefs are in line with studies favoring family-centered care concepts.
Improper care practices
” 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. Some appropriate depictions of first confusion and restlessness are included in the movie’s portrayal of dementia.
Nonetheless, the overall description could be more extensive. Certain factors, such as chaining the personality to a base in a hospital, are very dramatized and never indicative of appropriate care techniques.
Some genuine symptoms, stretched faith
” U Me Aur Hum” ( Hindi, 2008 ), starring Ajay Devgn and Kajol, revolves around a young woman who develops early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The movie is renowned for showing some genuine symptoms of early-onset memory, anything lesser discussed in society.
The narrative immediately devolves into melodrama, with the narrative suggesting that only passion and determination can overcome dementia’s difficulties, oversimplifying the intricate realities of living with memory.
” 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 movie, starring the later players Soumitra Chatterjee and Swatilekha Sengupta, depicts some practical signs of the wife’s memory, including the importance of person-centred treatment.
However, the representation of the wife’s total dependence on her husband might outweigh the fact that some dementia patients lead meaningful lives while maintaining various levels of independence. Additionally, the movie’s story points test the limits of reason.
Strategies for managing memory
” Smile Please” ( Marathi, 2019 ), also tells a story surrounding early-onset dementia, in the character Nandini ( Mukta Barve ), a young photographer. To keep her quality of life, the movie depicts her coping strategies and companions ‘ help. For instance, the dentist starts her on medication to treat her indications before stating that there is no such thing.
Nandini begins her medical treatment by completing mysteries and various mental tasks to maintain her focus. But, viewers should take note that these are not achievable for physicians; instead, they frequently use community-based organizations to promote social, physical, and mental activities.
Reducing the shame of delirium
These movies help to make dementia more realistic and less stigmatized by featuring heroes who live there. They might encourage visitors to feel more at ease with those who have dementia and their caregivers, fostering a more sympathetic cultural outlook.
However, some movies ‘ dramatization and glorification of memory can reinforce prejudices, and overt characterizations of dementia in dramatic narratives and exaggerated symptoms can be made.
Every person experiences a unique memory journey, and some devout people lead fulfilling lives with varying levels of independence. One way to promote historically diverse care is to learn more about dementia and discuss how prevalent it is in American films.
Navjot Gill-Chawla is a graduate participant in aging, heath and well-being at the University of Waterloo.
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