Memory Research: Dementia
The first topic I researched was 'dementia'. I had looked into this topic for some time in phase 1, and these initial notes can be found here.
Having already learnt a decent amount about the symptoms of dementia in the previous phase, I wanted to search for examples that try to present how it impacts people and feels for those with dementia. As I have not seen dementia in person myself, nor heard how it feels this was particularly important for me to look into. I found a few different videos on Youtube. Some were short films whilst other's were in a short documentary style. Note that some of the information in these videos will also be referred to in the next section (Coping With Dementia). I wanted to pay attention to what visual and audio techniques are used to convey the experience of having dementia: so they could potentially inform my narrative direction and aesthetic choice for ideas I develop in phase 3. It also felt important so that I can begin learning how to give a respectful portrayal of dementia, considering it is an extremely sensitive topic to approach.
Into The Fog
This video described the experience of early-onset Alzheimers as a fog that prevents thoughts coming out coherently. It is like a pure emptiness/barrenness in your mind.
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The man in the video has the unique experience that the 'fog' does not impact his memory of anything in Disneyworld. It is implied that it is a very important place to him, and I wonder whether it is nostalgic to him.
The man explains how easy it is to go into a dark place emotionally knowing that you have Alzheimers –knowing what the end will be: one day, he won't come out of the 'fog'. He must struggle to keep positive: keeping a sense of humour works as a coping mechanism for him.
Forgotten
This short film used high-pitched white noise during the moments where the old man struggled to remember early on, a technique I expect is meant to reflect the 'emptiness' occurring in his mind.
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I believe I am also hearing a small 'echoey' sound from the piano playing in the music, which I think may be meant to convey a sense of emptiness and hollowness, reflecting how the mind becomes more devoid of memories.
In the beginning of the scene where the old man has lost his memories (8:05 in the video), the room becomes incredibly dark, this further the idea of being surrounded by 'emptiness' and the idea that a darkness is left where memories once belonged. It emphasises the scariness of the experience quite well in my opinion.
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Within the same scene, they show a great deal of paranoia and confusion from the old man, and sorrow from his son at experiencing being forgotten by the man who raised him. In my opinion, it is the moment that best captures the pain of dementia: all loved ones will eventually be forgotten.
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I also think the decision to exclude any music in this scene is effective in putting emphasis on the dialogue, and it also furthers the building feeling of 'emptiness' that I noticed throughout the film, bringing it to an impactful climax.
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A Marriage to Remember
This documentary largely shows the impact on loved ones that dementia can have, as well as giving an indicator of how quickly it can worsen (in the case of Alzheimer's specifically). Within 4 years, the changes in the woman's behaviour is described as 'profound' by her husband.
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It highlights the emotional challenges of supporting a loved one with dementia, as the person becomes less capable of performing tasks.
Additionally, it is a taxing process to help that person every day, whilst you're having to mourn someone who is still alive. It is visible on the faces of loved ones, how hard it is for them seeing a personality change significantly in a few years.
Son's Account of Caring for a Mom With Dementia
This documentary shows how Lewy Body Dementia impacts a woman, and demonstrates how she has forgotten her son; thinking he's a friend rather than her own child.
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The son who records what happens to his mother finds it emotionally taxing to watch the state of his mother decline, helpless to do anything except care for the woman that raised him.
Coping With Dementia
One thing I hadn't yet looked into was how sufferers of dementia, and their family, cope with the difficult symptoms of the disease. Some of the videos above gave information on this. The man from Into The Fog used Alexa and Siri to remind him of everything he is meant to do throughout his day: including eating, hygiene, and taking medication. Without these things, a dedicated carer is necessary.
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Some general advice that seems to apply to helping both the mental and physical health of the person with dementia is to keep an active social life, exercise, and participating in hobbies, and have a consistent schedule. The carer should also do this for their own mental health, as it is understandably taxing for them to fulfil their role, and they need to be in a good state of mind if they are to help someone else.
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The NHS gives some specific guidance for coping with behavioural changes that can occur from dementia, such as:
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Identifying any possible triggers
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Providing reassurance
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A quiet environment
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Pleasant activities like listening to music
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Different therapies, such as music therapy and animal-assisted therapy.
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In regards to relationships with friends and family, it is very easy for frustration to build due to communication problems caused by dementia, so one should communicate they have the disease and keep others informed how they can help –such as reminding you about the topic of discussion, or avoiding having distractions nearby such as a radio's noise.
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When talking to someone else with dementia, it is advised to speak clearly; slowly and in short sentences, only provide simple choices to the person, stay relaxed, and be careful to ensure your words are respectful.