Millions of people around the world live with the harsh reality of Alzheimer's disease, which also significantly affects family members. No one is as safe as an A-list actor Chris Hemsworth discovered when his own father was recently diagnosed. This discovery inspired Hemsworth to go on a trip down memory lane with his father, which took them to Australia. Northern Territory. This experience was captured on film for A trip to remember new documentary from National Geographic.
Director Tom Barbour-Mite worked with Hemsworth on the latter's documentary series. Limitless, also for National Geographic. Every episode Limitless follows Hemsworth as he tackles the unique challenge of pushing himself to the limit, complete with interviews with scientific experts about practices such as fasting, extreme temperatures, stimulating the brain and regulating the stress response. Barbour-Mate directed the season one finale, “Acceptance,” which was very different in tone, dealing with the inevitability of death and the need to confront one's own mortality.
“It was really interesting to see Chris in this more intimate, personal space, and he did it really well,” Barbour-Mite told Ars. “He was charming and emotional and vulnerable, and it was really moving. It felt like more work needed to be done here.” When Craig Hemsworth was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into this personal aspect.
Director Tom Barbour-Might behind the camera during the filming of the documentary.
National Geographic/Craig Parry
Director Tom Barbour-Might behind the camera during the filming of the documentary.
National Geographic/Craig Parry
Scientist Suraj Samtani talks to Chris Hemsworth about the potential benefits of memory therapy.
National Geographic
Scientist Suraj Samtani talks to Chris Hemsworth about the potential benefits of memory therapy.
National Geographic
Director Tom Barbour-Might behind the camera during the filming of the documentary.
National Geographic/Craig Parry
Scientist Suraj Samtani talks to Chris Hemsworth about the potential benefits of memory therapy.
National Geographic
Hemsworth found scientific guidance for this journey from Suraj Samtani, a clinical psychologist at the NSW Center for Healthy Aging Brains who specializes in dementia. Recent research has shown that the risk of developing dementia can be halved by maintaining regular social interaction, and even after diagnosis, strengthening social connections can slow cognitive decline. Revisiting past experiences, including visiting places from the past, can also boost cognitive abilities in people with early-onset dementia or Alzheimer's disease – hence Hemsworth's trip.
The first step was to recreate a family home in 1990s Melbourne. “The therapeutic practice of reminiscence therapy gave the film not only an intellectual and emotional basis, but also a structure,” Barbour-Might said. “We wanted to really explore that and also, as viewers, get an insight into their family life in the 1990s. It was an episode that felt really important. The owner was extremely willing to let us return [the house]. They came and stayed at the hotel for a month and were very, very generous and kind.”
