Mr William Koh was only 17 when he became a caregiver to his mother after she was diagnosed with young-onset dementia at just 59.
He realised something was wrong when his mother, Margaret, looked at him and said: "Where is William?" "I was like, 'Oh mum, that's so funny,"" he said.
He quickly realised that she meant it. That came as a shock, leaving him feeling lost, but he quickly adapted to his new role, even as challenges grew.
"During my free time, I love to go on walks with her and play board games, like Jenga and Snakes and Ladders," said Mr Koh.
The national serviceman, who will turn 20 in 2024, was addressing an audience on Jan 6 at the launch of an interactive exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore aimed at strengthening public support for people living with dementia.
The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) launched the exhibition as part of 2024's national #DementiaFriendlySG campaign.
The exhibition, Facing Dementia In Singapore, will run till March 31.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was the guest of honour at the launch.
Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia.
Denne historien er fra January 07, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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Denne historien er fra January 07, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
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VERDY'S APPROACH AN EYE-OPENER
Former Lions turned coaches Alam Shah and Isa inspired by stint with Japanese club
Lions' morale-boosting win comes at a price
The Lions got a much-needed morale booster ahead of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championship as they beat Tokyo Verdy 2-1 on Oct 11 in the second of three friendlies against J1 League opponents in their Japan training tour.
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Belgium punish Italy at set pieces in 2-2 draw
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CARSLEY'S MIDFIELD OVERLOAD BACKFIRES
England temp boss dismayed by mistakes as Three Lions lose to Greece for first time
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SABALENKA TO STICK TO HER BRAVE PLAN
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