CNEWS Reporters Li Ying-hsuan and Wang Yu-ying / Taipei
When it comes to dementia, early detection and treatment are only part of the challenge. Helping people living with dementia maintain independence and continue using their existing skills is equally important.
In observance of World Alzheimer’s Month, the Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association is holding its “Tomorrow’s Memorandum” exhibition from September 18 to 21 at Building 2 of Huashan 1914 Creative Park in Taipei. Through everyday-life scenarios, interactive activities and first-hand accounts from people living with dementia, the exhibition introduces visitors to warning signs and care resources while highlighting the abilities and value that people living with dementia can continue to demonstrate through work, daily life and social participation.
Chen Yun-ching, secretary-general of the Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association, said the exhibition was designed around familiar everyday situations to help people understand that they do not need to be overwhelmed by the word “dementia” when a family member begins showing signs of memory loss or difficulty managing daily activities.
With early awareness, medical assessment and appropriate support, she said, a dementia diagnosis does not mean that a person’s life must come to a halt. People living with dementia can still go out, pursue activities they enjoy and retain choices over how they live their lives.
Seeing More Possibilities in Life: Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association Exhibition Helps People Living With Dementia Continue to Shine【CNEWS】
Chen noted that among Taiwan’s nearly 400,000 people living with dementia, around 65 percent remain in the very mild or mild stages of the condition. An estimated 15,000 people are also living with young-onset dementia. Many may be part of the communities around us, and some may still be active in the workplace.
Having dementia does not necessarily mean losing the ability to work, Chen said. Through job redesign, breaking tasks into manageable steps and creating dementia-friendly environments, people can continue using their skills and contributing in meaningful ways.
TADA has therefore established “Young Coffee” and “Young Work Hub,” where people living with dementia can work and receive wages, allowing them to regain a sense of purpose and feel that their contributions are valued.
Chen said the exhibition was not planned solely by the association, but developed with the participation of people living with dementia and their families. Organizers hope visitors will look beyond what people may have “lost” because of the condition and instead recognize what they are still able to do.
At the exhibition, people living with dementia share their skills, interests and personal stories. A series of talks also covers fraud prevention, legal issues, social support resources and cognitive decline.
“No one can be certain that dementia will never affect them,” Chen said, adding that greater understanding today can help create greater acceptance and a more supportive environment in the future.
Tsao Shih-meng, who is living with dementia, also took part in the exhibition by teaching visitors how to prepare cold noodles.
Tsao said he began experiencing symptoms of dementia after receiving medical treatment for a heart attack about four or five years ago. He later became involved with the Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association, participating in exercise classes and group activities before eventually beginning work at Young Coffee, where he takes a shift approximately once every two weeks.
In a friendly and relaxed environment, he said, he has not only found a renewed focus in life but also gained opportunities to interact with others and share everyday experiences.
Tsao, who has long enjoyed cooking, has turned that interest into a skill he can share with others. At the exhibition, he guided visitors step by step through the process of making cold noodles.
He said taking part in such activities gives him an opportunity to remain connected with society, which is why he is happy to contribute whenever possible.
From working as a coffee shop staff member to leading workshops, Tsao continues to do the things he enjoys and is capable of doing despite living with dementia. Through his own experience, he hopes to show the public that a dementia diagnosis does not mean a person has lost all ability.
Ms. Chen, a visitor to the exhibition, also shared her impressions. Her grandmother is currently showing symptoms of dementia and receives in-home assistance with cooking and bathing.
She said the exhibition resonated strongly with her and gave her a better understanding of the challenges people living with dementia face in their daily lives.
After seeing people living with dementia personally lead activities, Chen said she was deeply moved.
“Every life may have its limitations, but everyone also has something that can shine,” she said. “What people need most is companionship.”
She expressed hope that society could show greater understanding and offer more support. She also encouraged people living with dementia not to give up the things they once enjoyed simply because of their diagnosis, but to continue doing the things they are still able and willing to do.
Ms. Mao, a volunteer with the Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association, said her mother had lived with dementia for 23 years before passing away two months ago.
She described the long caregiving journey as one filled with both joy and hardship, as well as countless complicated emotions. After receiving support from the association over many years, Mao decided to give back by becoming a volunteer herself.
As public understanding of dementia has increased, medical care, caregiving services and psychological support have also become more comprehensive, she said.
Mao hopes people will not view dementia as something frightening or untouchable, but instead understand that, like other medical conditions, it requires knowledge, support and companionship.
“One day, we will all grow old, and we may find ourselves facing similar circumstances,” she said.
She encouraged people to show greater kindness and, whenever possible, reach out to accompany and support those who need help.
Photo credit: Li Ying-hsuan, CNEWS
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