CLAT English Language: Dementia

Imagine yourself unable to communicate, how would you express yourself? Would art be an effective conduit? There are millions of people in the world for whom visual communication may become the only method available... they suffer from the debilitating symptoms of dementia. Creative people are not immune, in fact, they may be a crucial element in finding a cure.

Dementia is a clinical umbrella term used to describe the acute loss of cognitive and intellectual functions. Dementia isn't a disease, it's a syndrome... a complex of conditions and symptoms related to more than 70 diseases that affect the brain's cells, neural networks, and chemical processes. Two widespread diseases in the dementia complex are Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

Are people who have symptoms of dementia, such as FTD and AD, insane? Not at all! They are merely ordinary people who have fallen victim to specific neurodegenerative diseases that affect the brain's capabilities to function properly. Anyone of us could unexpectedly become a victim of one of these diseases... and endure not only its physical and mental effects but also, the stereotypical reactions of onlookers. Artists like Vincent van Gogh and Wilheim de Kooning endured the symptoms of dementia and the stigma it engenders. Van Gogh's dementia, believed to have been caused by environmental factors, resulted in personal disfiguration and ultimately, suicide.

De Kooning's bout with AD stigmatized his status in the art world. Though he painted until his death, his works created during the period of his illness were eventually deemed aesthetically valueless.

Most problematic of all, naturally, are the paintings--currently on view at New York City's Museum of Modern Art--that were done in the '80s, after his mind was completely gone and he had to rely on assistants to do everything but move his arm across the canvas. These spectral, vacuous confections of ribbony paint are among the saddest things ever made by a once-major artist. Still, not even they can detract from the brilliant achievements of de Kooning's earlier years.

The same art world that had initially embraced de Kooning, and regarded his early works as a major contribution to the evolution of Abstract Expressionism, criticized and abandoned him after his illness was identified.

The critical frenzy over de Kooning's diagnosis points to the stigmatization of aging and Alzheimer's, and the art world's obsession with youth. It's true that age and illness affect the body and mind, but how do they affect one's ability to paint? We can't know, exactly, how an artist's mental state affects his work. What we can know, ultimately, is how a painting turns out.

Dementia has been acknowledged and branded for centuries. It has been documented since the days of the Roman Empire and studied since medicine became a science. It is in the 21st century that scientists may finally understand the workings of the human brain, and perhaps find a cure for this debilitating complex of diseases.

Which of the following statements is the author most likely to agree with:

Answer: C) Any art made by an artist after they are afflicted with AD does not detract from their body of work

The author clearly mentions that the painting on display at the New York City Museum of Modern Art which were created after De Kooning was afflicted with AD do not detract from the brilliant achievements of De Kooning’s earlier years.

Option B is ruled out because ‘Dementia’ is a syndrome, not a disease. Its an umbrella term for a complex of conditions and symptoms.

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