Film Lens
The film follows Richard Parks, a former rugby player turned extreme environment athlete, as he attempts to climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. In just 197 days, he skied to both the North and South Poles and summited the highest peaks on every continent, including Everest. The documentary examines the physical and mental challenges of extreme altitude climbing, particularly the effects of low oxygen levels on the human body.
Parks aims to gather evidence on how acclimatization to high altitudes may provide insights into preventing dementia, a rapidly growing illness. The film shows ongoing research in Wales that suggests acclimatization might improve cognitive function, offering hope for those affected by dementia. Parks' expedition is not just a personal challenge but also a scientific experiment that could contribute to understanding this disease.
Why Watch
- •Follow Richard Parks as he climbs Everest without supplemental oxygen.
- •See how extreme altitude may unlock secrets to dementia prevention.
- •Meet Nikki Phillips, Parks' performance director on the expedition.
Did You Know
•Richard Parks skied to both the North and South Poles in 197 days.
•Mount Everest's summit is over 29,000 feet high with only a third of sea level oxygen.
•Dementia is the fastest growing illness in the western world.
•Parks believes acclimatization can improve cognition, not just offset decline.
Perfect For
Extreme sports enthusiastsDementia research advocatesAdventure seekers