Approximately 10 million people have been diagnosed with the degenerative—and incurable—brain disorder in China, which accounts for approximately a quarter of the world's cases. With its population ageing, this is only likely to increase at a rapid pace
This photo taken on August 28, 2021 shows Chen Shaohua, who suffers from Alzheimer's, during an interview at his daughter's residence in Beijing.
Image: Noel Celis / AFPÂ
The first time Chen Shaohua went missing and was picked up by police, the 68-year-old's family put it down to confusion. When he disappeared a second time, they realised he was deeply unwell—but it was already too late.
"We missed the early signs," daughter Chen Yuanyuan explained, adding: "For several years our mother complained he was lying... but we couldn't judge because we haven't lived with them for years."