Aneet Padda’s role in Saiyaara sparks debate, can you really get Alzheimer’s at 22? Doctors break down the rare condition
When audiences walked into theatres expecting a tragic love story, they were hit with something deeper, an emotional ride that explored memory loss, love, and the cruel twist of early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara stars Ahaan Panday as Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician, and Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra, a quiet aspiring journalist. Their story takes a turn when Vaani begins forgetting basic things, first small details, then entire conversations.
In one of the film’s pivotal moments, Vaani collapses and is rushed to the hospital. When asked by doctors, she can’t recall her brother’s age or the date. She is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a rare but real condition.
How accurate is Saiyaara’s portrayal of Alzheimer’s?
While the film has opened conversations around the disease, neurologists say its depiction is far from medical reality.
Dr. Sunil Singla, Head of Neurology at Shalby Sanar Hospital, says, “Early-onset Alzheimer’s is diagnosed in people under 65, but cases in someone as young as 22, like Vaani, are extremely rare.”
Dr. Kaustubh Mahajan from PD Hinduja Hospital adds that such cases may occur only due to rare genetic mutations:
“It’s called early-onset Alzheimer’s dementia. If it’s seen in the 20s, it’s extremely rare and likely genetically linked to mutations like APP or TSEN.”
What are the actual symptoms of Alzheimer’s?
In the film, Vaani experiences dizziness, fainting, and sudden memory loss after emotional trauma. But experts say these are dramatised for cinematic effect.
Real early Alzheimer’s symptoms, as listed by the NHS, typically include:
- Difficulty remembering recent events or conversations
- Misplacing everyday objects
- Repeating questions
- Struggling to find words
- Trouble with decision-making
- Hesitation in trying new tasks
Dr. Singla explains, “Symptoms like fainting or instant memory loss after seeing someone are not typical of Alzheimer’s. These scenes are dramatised to serve the film’s narrative.”
Experts call it “exaggerated,” but conversation-worthy
One key scene shows Vaani forgetting the last six months after a sudden emotional trigger—a plot twist neurologists say doesn’t align with medical evidence. Dr. Singla remarked, “They’ve exaggerated it for the sake of storytelling. Alzheimer’s doesn’t progress this fast, especially in someone that young.”
He further added, “Depression can be an early sign of dementia, but Alzheimer’s itself isn’t triggered by emotional shocks. These are more ‘masala’ elements.” Despite the medical inaccuracies, doctors and critics alike agree the film plays a vital role—it gets people talking about memory health.
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