Kanakalatha, a beloved actress known for her numerous roles in Malayalam cinema, has had a prolific career, acting in over 350 films across various languages. Despite often playing smaller roles, she has left a lasting impression on Malayali audiences.

In recent years, she has been battling serious health issues, including Parkinson's disease and dementia. The symptoms of her condition began to manifest in December 2021. According to her sister Vijayamma, Kanakalatha became restless due to insomnia and stopped practicing yoga, which had been a regular part of her routine. Concerned about her health, Vijayamma urged her to see a doctor, leading to a psychiatric consultation in August 2022, where they learned that Kanakalatha was in the early stages of dementia.

During a visit to Kayamkulam for a family funeral, Kanakalatha underwent an MRI scan at Parumala Hospital, which revealed brain shrinkage, a common sign of neurodegenerative conditions. This diagnosis marked a significant and challenging phase in her life, one that has deeply affected her and her family.

Kanakalatha's filmography includes notable titles like Chill, Kariilakatupole, King's Son, Jagura, Karyatam, My Suryaputrik, Kauravar, Amma Yaane Satyam, Athira Kanmani, Thacholi Varghese Chekavar, Sphadikam, Aniathi Prav, and Harikrishnans. Her last film, Pookalam, was released last year, marking the end of an illustrious career. Despite the challenges she now faces, her contributions to cinema remain cherished by her fans.