Case study: Hackney woman directs dementia and ageing documentary

A kind-hearted Hackney woman has made a documentary to help tackle misconceptions about ageing and living with dementia.

Rianna Patterson, 25, works with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) South London’s Inclusivity Panel to drive change so everyone can benefit from vital dementia research. The Inclusivity Panel ensures research is representative of the south London region and is based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Dementia: The Island Journey was filmed on the island of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The documentary will be officially released in December 2024 but is being shown at film festivals in the Caribbean, Canada, Europe and parts of Africa. The film aims to celebrate Caribbean culture and elders, tackle ageism and highlight how people can live well with dementia. Rianna, whose grandfather, Terry Vidal, died from dementia in 2013, has dedicated her work to his memory. She said:

“The documentary took three years to film, so it has been a journey to make it. The feedback from our test screenings has been very positive, and some people found it emotional to watch as it brought back memories of them caring for their loved ones. I wanted to do something to address the very stigmatising language and imagery around dementia and ageing in society.

“People can live with dementia. Frailty and vulnerability will not be everyone’s story or experience, although some may be vulnerable and frail whilst living with dementia. We have to put information out there that provides a realistic view of what it is like to live with dementia and age: the positives and the negatives.

“If I could speak to my grandfather again, I would hug him. I’d tell him his death changed my life and gave me a purpose. He has helped me to connect with so many people and to travel the world in a way I never envisaged. I’d thank him for letting me be a part of his journey, if only briefly, and tell him how I continue to learn so much about dementia and who he was through my family. This knowledge has made me appreciate my grandfather even more.

“Research is so important, and organisations like the NIHR help to bring people together, so everyone has a say in helping researchers to find a cure for dementia. People need to shift their perspective on research because there are so many different ways you can contribute, and I would encourage people to check out the Join Dementia Research website. I am doing my Master’s degree at University College London on dementia causes, treatments and research. My ambition is to work with the NIHR on delivering my university project and, hopefully, one day become a dementia researcher.”

Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline in brain function. There are many different causes and types of dementia. According to Alzheimer's Research UK, one million people in the UK will have dementia by 2025. According to the NHS, the exact cause of Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia in the UK, is not fully understood.

Join Dementia Research aims to make a difference for people affected by dementia through research. It is a nationwide service that enables anyone aged 18 or over in the UK to find and take part in vital dementia research studies. People with dementia, their carers, and anyone interested in research can sign up.

Rianna also founded the Dominica Dementia Foundation. The organisation holds support groups and provides financial assistance for people with a relative living with the condition. She met the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2017 and was awarded a Queen’s Young Leaders Award.

Email dementiaisledoc@gmail.com for more information about the documentary.