Breaking Through
the Mist of Life
Preface
It has been a year since I first met these individuals living with dementia. What began as a chance encounter through a volunteer program has since grown into a journey filled with warmth, understanding, and deep connection. Initially, I only understood dementia as a medical condition—a disease that erodes memory and cognition. But over time, as I spent more moments with them, I began to see beyond the illness and into the richness of their lives.
Alzheimer’s disease may take away their past, reshape their personalities, and alter the course of their lives, but it does not define them. In the face of memory loss, they continue to embrace life with resilience and warmth. Their thoughts may sometimes wander, but their capacity to love remains steadfast. They not only recognize kindness but also return it in the purest, most heartfelt ways. It is in these moments of connection that I have come to appreciate the dignity and depth of the human spirit.
A diagnosis of dementia is not an ending—it is the beginning of a different way of living. Even as their world shifts, they find joy in the simplest of things. In dance, they rediscover movement; in music, they express emotions words can no longer capture. Through painting and calligraphy, they share the landscapes of their minds, and in games and crafts, they create moments of happiness. These activities, though ordinary to some, are their way of holding onto life and its meaning.
This photography exhibition is my attempt to preserve and share their stories. Each image captures a fleeting yet profound moment of laughter, perseverance, and love. These are not just pictures but glimpses into lives filled with emotion and depth. Through this collection, I hope to challenge misconceptions about dementia, allowing more people to see the beauty, resilience, and value in their lives. They are more than their diagnosis—they are individuals who deserve recognition, respect, and care.
Stories
This is Grandma Dai, 84 years old, who has been living with Alzheimer’s for many years.
Not long ago, she fractured her leg in a fall, and the sudden injury brought her life to a standstill. In the early days, she seemed lost and defeated. Dementia blurred her sense of direction — even left and right became confusing. Each attempt to move brought only frustration. The light in her dimmed, and her once lively spirit faded.
But perhaps her desire to dance with everyone again was stronger than the pain. With quiet determination, she began the long, thorny road to recovery.Gripping her walker tightly, sweat poured down her forehead, soaking her clothes — but her eyes shone with unwavering resolve. From barely standing to now taking small, shaky steps, every movement has been hard-earned, built on countless tears and quiet courage."Grandma Dai, you walked two whole steps today!" I cheered.She turned to me with a proud, beaming smile — eyes twinkling, full of joy.
This is Grandpa Liu and Grandma Zhou. Now in their twilight years — he is 90, and she is 88 — time has etched its mark across their faces. They met in college as young students and spent their lives together in education. Grandpa Liu was a chemistry teacher who later became a school principal, while Grandma Zhou also taught chemistry. From classmates to colleagues to lifelong partners, their 60 years of companionship are a precious gift of time.
Five years ago, Alzheimer's began to cast its shadow over Grandma Zhou. As the disease progressed, her memories slowly faded, like colors washed from an old painting. Some nights, she would insist on getting up to teach, convinced her students were waiting. In her disoriented world, the role of a teacher remained the one anchor she clung to.Through it all, Grandpa Liu has stayed by her side. Though her gaze now holds traces of confusion, his steady presence brings her comfort and trust — a quiet reminder that love can outlast even memory.