Dominica Yang first noticed unusual behavior in her mother in 2012, when the once-sharp and gentle woman began obsessively counting her husband’s medication. Frustrated by her inability to keep track, the change was sudden and distressing. As Alzheimer’s disease took hold, Yang, a Hong Kong resident, found herself navigating the emotional and physical demands of caregiving. Her mother passed away in 2016 at the age of 86 after a four-year struggle with the disease.
In a heartfelt tribute, Yang has published My Mum Called Alzheimer’s, a bilingual memoir that chronicles her journey with her mother through diary-like conversations. More than just a personal story, the book sheds light on the deep emotional terrain experienced by carers, offering a rare window into moments of love, confusion, and resilience. Pages are purposefully left blank to reflect her mother’s cognitive voids. Shapes throughout the book symbolize the fluctuating clarity of her mother’s mind, with circles representing their emotional connection.
The story captures moments of light — sharing tea and cake, shopping, or singing along to Elvis Presley — and darker times, including hospital visits, memory loss, and the emergence of coded language her mother used in place of words. Yang describes these stages with tenderness and honesty. Music, especially singing and playing maracas, provided moments of peace for her mother, something Yang often used to soothe her.
The idea for the book began as a clinical recommendation. A psychiatrist had advised Yang to keep a record of her mother’s behavior to assist with diagnosis. After her mother’s death, Yang kept the notes hidden while she cared for her father and father-in-law, both of whom later passed away. It was only after sharing these records with her three sons that she was encouraged to publish them. Some sensitive details were omitted to respect her mother’s privacy.
Yang emphasizes the importance of early intervention, familiar routines, and emotional connections. She urges caregivers not to lose hope, reminding them that their presence still matters even when recognition fades. Physical touch, familiar voices, and shared hobbies can provide comfort and connection.
In 2015, Yang co-founded the Brain Health Initiative in Hong Kong to support caregivers. Proceeds from her book will go to the Charles K Kao Foundation for Alzheimer’s Disease. Her message is clear: don’t face dementia alone, seek help, and treasure every moment with loved ones.
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