It’s time to shine a light on those who provide dementia care
Central Station | 25 Jul 2024
Dementia takes a devastating toll, not just on those who unfortunately have their cognitive abilities affected but also on their families. Caring for relatives suffering from this debilitating condition is truly a labor of love and, more often than not, comes with high costs.
The Leo Club of The Peak, Hong Kong (the club), last month debuted its micro-movie “MMR” in a charity screening, with the film shining a light on some of the often-overlooked aspects of caring for someone with this condition.
The name “MMR” came from a wordplay of “memory,” in which the missing English letters mirror the missing memories in patients with cognitive impairments, said the club.
Speaking at the screening, Chak Long-to, producer of “MMR,” said his own experience had inspired him in the making of the film.
“My grandmother suffers from dementia, and my mother is her sole carer, which poses significant challenges and stress to our family.
“Such an experience inspired me and the club to plan a series of activities raising awareness for people who unfortunately have to go through similar misfortune, including collaborating with a creative team to produce the micro-movie to show audiences the world of people affected by it, allowing them to understand the difficulties faced by caregivers,” Chak said.
He also noted that anyone could suddenly be put in the spot caring for someone with dementia - a common disorder that comes with aging, which he hoped the movie could, in some ways, remind people to plan ahead.
Meanwhile, Chak shared with audiences the significance of the production.
"The micro-movie depicts the life of a dementia patient, highlighting the challenges and pressures faced by the caregiver and concludes with a bold fantasy. If the patient regains their memory and realizes the enduring care provided by their family, how would they reciprocate this love? Through 'MMR,' we salute the caregivers on the patients’ behalf."
Award-winning actor Chu Pak-him, who claimed the Best Actor title at the 23rd Hong Kong Drama Awards, also shared his feelings about working on the film, adding that the process recalled his own memories of caring for his grandmother, who was affected by dementia.
He said caregivers’ loneliness was often neglected, and he applauded their courage and sense of responsibility in taking care of sick family members - which he described as “the purest form of love.”
Separately, Chu said he enjoyed collaborating with such a young production team, and he was pleased to see members engaging in discussions to achieve better outcomes.
“MMR” is now available on YouTube.
