Imagine juggling a full-time job, social life, and suddenly becoming a superhero 24/7. That’s the reality for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. 🦸♀️🦸♂️
Hu Yong, professor of Journalism and Communication at Peking University, knows this all too well. In 2020, his mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and he’s been her primary caregiver for the past four years as her memory, thinking, and behavior have declined.
In the Chinese mainland, home-based care remains the go-to choice for most Alzheimer’s patients, supported by nursing homes and community programs. Despite this, there’s a huge gap between the need for care and available resources.
Today, the Chinese mainland has about 9.83 million people living with Alzheimer’s. On average, each patient needs 1.6 caregivers, according to Luo Xiao, a radiologist at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University’s School of Medicine. Also known as Dr. Luo Xixi online, he’s using educational videos to spread the word about dementia.
With limited caregiving services and rising demand, families carry the weight. The emotional toll, physical exhaustion, and financial strain can be overwhelming—many caregivers feel they’re in uncharted territory without training or support.
Mark your calendars for September 21: World Alzheimer’s Day. 🌍 It’s a reminder that around 57 million people lived with dementia in 2021, and Alzheimer’s makes up 60–70% of those cases, according to the World Health Organization. As our global population ages, championing caregiver support and recognition is more important than ever.
So next time you see a caregiver, give them a thumbs-up or a kind word. They’re the unsung heroes in the fight against dementia! 👍❤️
Reference(s):
Health Talk: Every Alzheimer's caregiver deserves recognition
cgtn.com
