Does this Belgian Alzheimer's PSA go too far?
Vlaamse Alzheimer Liga (English Version) from mortierbrigade on Vimeo.
(CBS News) In order to raise awareness for Alzheimer's, the Flemish League Alzheimer's Association created this television ad to show the effects of the disease on the elderly.
WHO: Dementia cases worldwide to triple by 2050
In the commercial, a young grandson takes advantage of his grandmother by repeatedly ringing the doorbell, prompting her to give him money each time. Because she doesn't remember, he ends up cashing in on his prank.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, 5.4 million Americans live with the disease, roughly breaking down to one in eight people. It is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S.
While no one is arguing that the PSA brings up an important issue, sites like Buzzfeed have said that the ad mocks people with the disease. Guyism, on the other hand, calls the ad "brutally effective."
Other countries have also turned to shock tactics to spread Alzheimer's awareness. The Israeli Alzheimer's Association recently tricked theater-goers into experiencing symptoms of the disease, HealthPopreported.
Do you believe the TV ad goes too far or does it get its message across?
