What has happened to then since 1969 in Awakenings?

In "Awakenings," set in the late 1960s, patients who were catatonic due to encephalitis lethargica are treated with the drug L-DOPA, leading to temporary awakenings and a return to consciousness. However, over time, many patients experience a decline as the effects of the medication wear off. The story highlights the fleeting nature of these awakenings and the struggles faced by both the patients and their caregivers. Ultimately, it underscores themes of hope, loss, and the human desire for connection.