On November 5, a widely discussed topic emerged online following the comments made by renowned mainland actor Huang Bo regarding his parents’ battle with Alzheimer’s disease. During a past interview, Huang Bo shared the heartbreaking experience of his father, who, during the later stages of the illness, no longer recognized him and referred to him as “an old comrade” during their interactions. His mother, too, has been experiencing a gradual decline in memory. The shared struggle of both parents facing illness has caused Huang Bo long-term anxiety about potentially facing a similar fate.
Huang Bo’s poignant reflections were highlighted during an episode of the show “Beyond the Heat Wave,” which aired on August 20, 2025. The subject matter gained renewed attention on November 5, 2026, resonating deeply with many internet users who empathized with his challenging family situation.
In the show, Huang Bo described the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease, specifically recalling how his father succumbed to the illness and, in the latter years, struggled to recognize him as his son. He shared a particularly painful moment in which, upon returning home, his father treated him with utmost courtesy and invited him to sit down for a drink without realizing that he was his own child. During their conversation, when Huang Bo’s mother inquired about his identity, his father, seemingly trying to cover up his forgetfulness, referred to him as “an old comrade.”
Additionally, Huang Bo reflected on his experience while participating in the program “Unforgettable Restaurant,” where he worked alongside several elderly individuals suffering from cognitive impairments. He explained that his involvement was motivated by personal connections, as he has family members affected by Alzheimer’s disease and he hopes to raise awareness about this community’s reality.
Tragically, his mother later developed Alzheimer’s disease as well, with her memory also deteriorating over time. Huang Bo emphasized in his interview that while caregivers can manage the day-to-day care of his parents, they cannot replace the emotional bonds that families share.
Acknowledging his heightened genetic risk, Huang Bo revealed that the worry about developing Alzheimer’s has been a constant companion in his life for many years. He described his situation in the program as a “bidirectional genetic defect,” expressing his belief that the hereditary probability of his condition is substantially elevated. He noted that some individuals offer him consolation by suggesting that if only one parent has the disease, the genetic risk would be lower, but in his case, both his parents have Alzheimer’s.
As he elaborated on the persistent anxiety that accompanies this worry, Huang Bo highlighted a common concern among many people: if both parents are afflicted with Alzheimer’s, does it automatically mean that the children will also eventually develop the condition?
Responses from netizens reflected this shared concern. One user, identified as “Amber3005,” shared their own experience, stating: “My parents were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease earlier this year, and the doctor warned me that I am in a high-risk group.”
Another user, “Fragrant Pear,” commented, “If it’s truly hereditary, then worrying is futile. Living in the present is what matters most.”
According to a report from Litchi News on November 5, Dr. Shi Jingping, director of the neurology department at the Nanjing Brain Hospital, stated in an interview that the hereditary probability of Alzheimer’s disease ranges from 60% to 80%. The onset age of the disease can depend on which risk genes are carried by an individual. Currently, there are effective treatments specifically targeting Alzheimer’s disease, and it is recommended that individuals who may carry related risk factors seek early prevention, screening, and treatment.
Medical research indicates that while Alzheimer’s disease is related to genetic factors, most cases are not solely attributed to a single hereditary gene. Instead, they result from a combination of multiple genes, age, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, characterized by a gradual decline in memory, language, and cognitive abilities, often leading to the loss of the capacity for independent living. For families of those affected, caregiving encompasses not just daily assistance but also long-term companionship and emotional support, underlining the profound impact this disease has on both patients and their loved ones.