Dementia in the movies: the clinical picture.
OBJECTIVE
Visual media influence the general public's perceptions and attitudes regarding people with mental conditions. This qualitative study investigates the depiction accuracy of dementia's clinical features in motion pictures.


METHODS
Using the search terms 'dementia', 'Alzheimer's disease' and 'senility' movies with release dates between January 2000 and March 2012 were sought on the Internet Movie Database. Based on four selection criteria 23 movies were included. Independently, three researchers watched all movies, scored symptoms, capacities, and behaviors. Scores were discussed and refined during consensus meetings, resulting in a taxonomy of clinical features.


RESULTS
Various features are found, most often cognitive symptoms. Behavioral features are also shown - retiring behavior more than agitation - and various emotions, but physical symptoms are rarely depicted. Capacities are infrequently presented and are unrealistic in several of the movies.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical picture of dementia portrayed in fictional movies is mild and may be misleading.
a Department of Primary and Community Care, Alzheimer Centre Nijmegen , Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.
Debby L
DL
Gerritsen
Yolande
Y
Kuin
Jessika
J
Nijboer
D032921:Consensus; D016208:Databases, Factual; D008192:Deception; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009040:Motion Pictures; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States