Body, Emotion, and Soul: The Evolution of Alzheimer’s Disease Representation in Chinese Films and Television Programmes

Abstract

As China’s population continues to age, the number of cases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is rising to become the highest in the world. Film and television works reflect Chinese society’s understanding of, and imagination surrounding, the disease, objectively building a bridge of understanding between the audience and this serious illness. This study analyses 41 Chinese films and television programmes about Alzheimer’s disease from 1993 to 2024. It finds that, over three decades and alongside the evolution of Chinese national culture and social concepts, the depiction of Alzheimer’s disease in Chinese films and television programmes has evolved through three distinct phases. Starting with an early focus on the disabled body, progressing to a mid-stage portrayal of patients’ emotions, and culminating in the current emphasis on patients’ inner journeys, this evolution reflects the inheritance and adherence to traditional Chinese societal ethics and morality. It also demonstrates the decline and transformation of the traditional family ethical order in the face of the disease, reflecting the in-depth thinking and diverse expression of film and television creators on the subject. This paper argues that China, having entered a deeply ageing society, requires a greater variety of Alzheimer's disease-themed films to enhance public understanding of the disease.