Living with Alzheimer's (老年痴呆症), Lata, an 83-year-old lady finds focus and inspiration in tribal art, and the only memories she is left with — her childhood.
Young Lata attended an English school in Mumbai. She first picked up a brush as a child, learning the basics of art from her older sister Mai. She recalls performing a song along with a famous singer at a function and having her paintings displayed at a school exhibition.
However, her happy days didn't last long. She dropped out of college to help support the family by selling paintings and hand-painted sarees (莎丽服). After getting married, she moved with her husband to their home in Bandra East, where they have been living for nearly six decades.
Four years ago, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's which has affected her short-term memory. It was her son Paresh who helped her pick up her passion for painting again. He got her painting supplies and books on animals and plants. Now, she can spend hours painting the most detailed images. And for those hours, she is at peace and is focused. She is also most comfortable while doing some housework. She knows where everything in her kitchen is and still refuses to keep help at home.
From encouraging her art to answering all her questions when she forgets things from minute to minute, he did everything patiently. For Lata, everything is new every day and it's her painting that keeps her going. Talent has no age!
A. She still cooks three meals a day.
B. Doctors' advice was to keep her engaged.
C. Her other constant support has been her husband.
D. It is very important to make the home comfortable.
E. She frequently talks about her childhood memories.
F. Her father passed away before she could complete her education.
G. She had a keen interest in music and art despite having no formal training.
