Saiyaara Alzheimer Plot Raises Concerns—Medical Experts React

Saiyaara, a recent romantic drama from Bollywood, has stirred conversations not just for its emotional storyline but also for its questionable medical premise. The film introduces a storyline where a 22-year-old journalist, portrayed by Aneet Padda, is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a condition sparking both sympathy and scientific scrutiny.

What’s the Issue?

While the film’s narrative is engaging, neurologists and medical professionals have raised red flags. By medical standards, Alzheimer’s rarely appears before the age of 40—especially the clear, progressive symptoms that Saiyaara portrays in a young adult. Critics argue that this portrayal, although emotionally moving, deviates from clinical reality.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder typically affecting older adults, slowly eroding memory, decision-making, and daily function. Experts emphasize:

• Age is the primary risk factor, with the likelihood increasing significantly after age 65.

• Early-onset cases (before age 40) are extremely rare and often linked to genetic mutations.

• Diagnostic clarity in young adults is complicated; dementia symptoms in the 20s may suggest other psychological or neurological conditions.

While the film builds empathy, doctors warn that the age-centric premise oversimplifies complex medical science.

Emotional Depth Meets Medical Oversight

Despite the controversy, Saiyaara has been praised for its sensitivity and emotional impact. The film explores the emotional bond between family members and the challenges of early decline. Yet, medical professionals caution that such stories should balance emotional storytelling with accurate representation, especially when discussing serious illnesses like Alzheimer’s.

Broader Concerns Around Dementia Representation

This isn’t the first time Bollywood’s depiction of dementia has invited critique. Earlier films such as Black, Mai, and Three of Us included Alzheimer’s as a plot device—but were careful not to misrepresent medical realities. Saiyaara joins that list but raises important questions about how Hollywood meets compassion with accuracy.

Final Thoughts

While Saiyaara stands out in terms of storytelling and sentiment, its choice to base a main arc on a medical condition that is implausible for such a young character invites scrutiny. It serves as a reminder that cinematic license must be balanced with responsibility—especially around topics that shape public understanding of serious health conditions.