Christmas animation that feels right about dementia.
Many films talk about dementia
Film don’t always reflect the reality for most families
I recommend the Alzheimers Research UK animation, Santa Forgot
In these dark and cold evenings, it is great to settle down in front of the telly and watch some old movies. Sometimes I’m getting comfy with a cup of tea and the remote control, and someone will text me out of the blue to say that there is a film about dementia coming up and I should turn over to that channel. Guess what? I never do. It feels as if there is enough dementia in my real life without watching made up stories about it.
Do you understand dementia?
Don’t get me wrong. There are some great artistic movies. One is Still Alice, about a linguistic professor diagnosed with dementia. It is heart-rending, and the acting is true to life. However, I end up shouting at the screen out of frustration as the commentators talk about how they never understood dementia up to this point. I’m saying, “You still don’t ‘understand’ dementia!!” The character is diagnosed with familial Alzheimer’s disease. It is rare. It is nothing like the dementia that is experienced by most people. When I’ve said this in print before I’ve had push back saying that the story is “still worth telling”. I never said it wasn’t. What worries me is the way such artistic renditions of the dementia experience marginalise most people and families affected by dementia, for whom the complications of an ageing and frail parent, the difficulties of being a sandwich carer, and the financial cost of caring are much more significant.
Research is crucial, but not ONLY research.
But then I’m picky! When Alzheimer’s Research UK brought out the animation Santa Forgot a couple of years ago I was disconcerted. Two reasons. One was a worry that it suggests that Santa Claus might forget to bring presents. (I’m only human…and I still believe). The other was that it suggested “only research” can help Santa. On reflection I want to agree very strongly that “research” is crucial…. But not “only research”. What the little girl in the animation does is visit Santa, hold his hand, and believe in him. So, I’ve changed my mind about this film, and I recommend that you watch it now, and believe in the message. Let’s see if we can keep Santa as well as possible for as long as possible. And if you can, donate to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
If you would like more information, you can buy my book Dementia, the One Stop Guide or Care Homes: When, Why and How to Choose a Care Home. I am available for consultancy for families or organisations. And if you have any further queries or questions, or suggestions for something you’d like to see me write on, please contact me via the Contact Page
See my new course on Dementia the One Stop Guide on Policy Hub here
