My mother had dementia, and taking a trip together helped me gain insight into her condition.

It’s no longer something to be ashamed of.

Recently, we've learned about Bruce Willis's frontotemporal dementia and Chris Hemsworth's genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease (which doesn’t guarantee he will develop it). Wendy Mitchell has been sharing her experiences, and British broadcaster Fiona Phillips began showing signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s at just 61.

My mother was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in her late 50s. Initially, we were unaware of what was occurring.

Setting off on our one and only trip abroad together

It was during a trip to Thailand and Laos—which I organized to lift my mum Heather’s spirits, thinking she might be experiencing midlife depression—that her condition truly started to become apparent.

The reality of dementia is that it often unfolds gradually. It’s only after a diagnosis that previous changes begin to make sense in hindsight.

I found it peculiar when she began to walk much slower than usual (was it the humidity?) or when she grasped my hand while crossing the street, as if I were the parent and she the child. Navigating the streets of Bangkok can be daunting for newcomers, so I took her hand and guided her through the bustling traffic, as one tends to do.

During that holiday, my mum allowed me to make all the decisions: what we ate, where we stayed, and our daily activities. This was completely out of character for her, but honestly, I relished the role reversal.

Prior to this trip, my mum had only traveled in relatively affluent countries – Australia, New Zealand, the USA, much of Europe, and a solo journey to Hong Kong – so I attributed her unusual behavior to some form of “culture shock.”

Yet, one of my most cherished memories from that trip was her childlike excitement as we arranged our bunks on the sleeper train from Hua Lamphong to Nong Kai at the Laos border. It felt like we were friends on a school trip, filled with adventure, joy, and a lot of love.

Is it too late to embark on journeys once you have dementia?

Many individuals associate dementia with its later stages, when life becomes profoundly challenging. In The Father, Anthony Hopkins’s depiction of such confusion is both compassionate and unsettling.

However, dementia doesn't start out that way.

Another film addressing the illness, Still Alice, portrays Alice Howland (played by Julianne Moore) and her family navigating their grief, ultimately realizing that all they can truly do is live in the moment and cherish each one.

As Bruce Willis’s daughter Tallulah notes, as quoted in The Guardian, their family has entered a new era with his diagnosis: “It feels like a unique and special time in my family, and I’m just so glad to be here for it.”

So, is it too late to travel once you have dementia? The answer largely depends on you. For many caregivers, a break from their usual routines provides the much-needed opportunity to reset and recharge. (Plus, enjoying the luxury of having your room tidied while you're out is a nice bonus.)

Statistics indicate that approximately 65% of caregivers experience depression. Experts universally agree that engaging in activities you love is one of the best ways to safeguard your mental health.

I interviewed Dr. Carol Sargent, an expert dedicated to changing perceptions of dementia and a consultant aiming to make the travel and tourism industry more accommodating for those with dementia. Dr. Sargent emphasizes that travel is about being open-minded, fostering connections, and creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. For many, a diagnosis can serve as the catalyst they need to embark on that long-awaited journey – while they still have the chance.

What steps can tourism businesses take to become more dementia-friendly?

Tourism businesses have numerous opportunities to assist individuals dealing with dementia, a largely unseen disability. Additionally, modifications made for one group often benefit everyone, a phenomenon known as the curb-cut effect. If you've ever appreciated a ramp for wheeling a heavy suitcase up stairs or watched a show with captions on to catch every word of Succession, you grasp this concept.

Dr. Sargent aids businesses in pinpointing simple changes that can help those with dementia and their caregivers travel with greater ease. Most of these adjustments are affordable and serve a wide range of people: families with kids, travelers with autism, ADHD, or social anxiety, individuals with specific dietary needs, and even weary business travelers seeking room service without wrestling with complicated remotes or QR codes will find value in these suggestions.

Given that the hospitality industry’s core value is to make guests feel welcome, the first step is staff training. Well-trained and emotionally aware staff can significantly impact those with both visible and hidden disabilities. Moreover, hospitality workers often find greater job satisfaction in an environment with a more meaningful mission.

Simple modifications can enhance the vacation experience for individuals living with dementia—and for everyone else too! These include:

• Clear signage – because who doesn’t appreciate that?

• Simple, easy-to-follow instructions and directions.

• Using high-contrast colors for light switches, door handles, and seating areas.

• Designated quiet periods, like early mornings with fewer visitors.

• A ‘timeout space’ for people to retreat to. For instance, the Tate Modern offers a quiet room with adjustable lighting.

• Sensory-friendly cinema screenings.

• Options beyond buffets, as too many choices can be overwhelming. Better yet, allow guests to pre-order their meals a day in advance.

Every accessibility enhancement for a few ultimately benefits the many. For families wishing to travel while caring for someone with a significant diagnosis, a memorable journey may await them.