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Sweet Man Suffering From Dementia Proposes To His ‘Girlfriend’ Who’s Actually His Wife Of 12 Years
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Sweet Man Suffering From Dementia Proposes To His ‘Girlfriend’ Who’s Actually His Wife Of 12 Years

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Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that cause a long-term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember. The effects are great enough to affect a person’s daily functioning and can be heartbreaking for those around them, as they watch their loved one gradually lose the vital parts of their personality and memories of their relationship.

Anne Duncan’s beloved husband Bill has been living with dementia for the last 9 years and has ceased to recognize her as his wife. Heartbreaking as this must be, Anne has stayed lovingly by Bill’s side and recently received the most wonderful surprise.

Image credits: Anne Duncan

So while Bill can no longer grasp their past together he has fully embraced the present – and the love that so clearly resides deep in his heart has made itself apparent again! It just goes to show that true love cannot be suppressed, and will always find a way to express itself no matter what obstacles lie in its path.

Image credits: Anne Duncan

Because although dementia presents challenges to any relationship, it doesn’t mean that people can’t enjoy full, active lives. With love, care, patience and understanding those living with dementia can thrive, and surprise their loved ones just like Bill has! Their second wedding has touched them both and given them a wonderful and unexpected gift of happiness, one that might never have happened without the support of their family and close friends.

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Image credits: Anne Duncan

Image credits: Anne Duncan

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Image credits: Anne Duncan

Always remember, everyone living with dementia is still the same person you once knew despite the changes in their memory and behavior. Social isolation only exacerbates the condition, so please, don’t stop interacting with people because they may be having difficulties communicating or remembering things! Quality of life is dependent on interaction and relationships with others.

Image credits: Anne Duncan

Anne herself is keenly aware of this and so the couple founded the ‘Boogie in the Bar’ initiative, which holds dementia-positive afternoon dances in the Aberdeen and North East of Scotland area. Starting from just one monthly event – now fondly known as the ‘original boogie,’ there are now 17 boogies across the area, supporting hundreds of people to “get out, get up and get dancing.”

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Image credits: Anne Duncan

Anne told the South West News Service that dancing is a shared love for the smitten couple, something that nurtures their bond and keeps them closer together than ever.

“It can be difficult adjusting to life with dementia for both the sufferer and their partner, and we’re always looking for ways to still enjoy ourselves,” she said. “We attended a friend’s party last year, and as Bill and I took to the dance floor, it was like all of our troubles melted away.”

Image credits: Anne Duncan

“Dancing together helped us forget dementia for that moment, and it was like my old husband was back in my arms – it was beautiful.”

Image credits: Anne Duncan

“We knew it could help other people in similar situations and give them a chance to escape their worries, so we set up a dementia-friendly disco and it’s been a real success.”

Image credits: Anne Duncan

Secretary/Treasurer of Boogie in the Bar, Eva Connell, told Bored Panda that The Boogie events are “open to everyone and are a way for people to combat loneliness and social isolation, to get together during the day and enjoy themselves in a warm, people-friendly environment where everyone is made to feel welcome and included regardless of their age or disabilities.”

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Image credits: Anne Duncan

“They are a chance to get together with like-minded Boogiers listening, dancing or shuffling in their seat to hits from the 50s right up to present day.”

Image credits: Anne Duncan

In October 2017 Boogie in the Bar won the Best Community Support Initiative at Scotland’s Dementia Awards. Great work, Anne and Bill!

Image credits: Anne Duncan

Here’s how people reacted to the sweet story

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james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn, someone’s been cutting onions. So bittersweet, he has pretty much forgotten the life he had with her before the dementia but has obviously fallen in love with her all over again. I wish you both all the best through this happy but difficult time.

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So heartwarming, that's love for you! It conquers everything!

frozengeckolover avatar
Frozengeckolover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so cute! My great-aunt "introduced" my aunt and uncle... At their wedding reception. Then she proceeded to tell everyone that they would make a cute couple. By the end of the reception we had convinced her that they had just gotten married (and she had just attended their wedding). She then said it was good they got married, so as not to bring shame on their lovechild. She was talking about my baby brother. She thought my baby brother was my aunt and uncle's lovechild. My aunt was a little embarrassed, but no one was mad. The poor lady coundn't help it. She was very sweet and we all miss her. She would often say, "I don't remember who you are, but if you know me then I love you."

elizabethcwest avatar
Pretty Pangolin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad had dementia. Toward the end of his life, my mom came to the nursing home to visit him (they've been divorced for ages). He didn't quite understand who she was, but then again he did - he asked her about "The girl in the green Dartmouth cap" - that was her when they first met! I think dementia works like that a lot - he couldn't say what he had for breakfast, but he remembered things from decades ago.

max_lombardi_mi avatar
Max L.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it depends which brain areas are affected bya a variety of symptoms, such as vessel hardening, small neurological "short circuits" that in the worst case can leave you half paralized, and so on. my mom side grands were one each other, grandpa very present and realized immediately how to use a cellphone in his nineties, grandma very remembering old times but confused at the point she realized it was better acting like if she kew who everybody was not to raise suspects of malfuntioning. Yes she was this smart, she was my grandmother, right ?

Load More Replies...
jhope71 avatar
Jamie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful story. Love is real and takes many forms. I'm glad it lives on in his mind and heart and that their bond is so strong, even in trying times. Best wishes to the "newlyweds!"

slw303 avatar
Sue Prewitt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so glad she didn't say "Oh Bill, we're already married, don't be silly". It would have just made him feel bad, and she wouldn't have such wonderful memories. - But I know people who would do that.

firstlastother124 avatar
knittin' kitten
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandmother has dementia. She is still grandma just a little different. Kind as always but doesn't understand the passing of time anymore. Someone who died 30 years ago she asked how they doing. Its heartbreaking seeing a once vibrant and full of life person slowly become child-like again. Mom nor my sister communicate with her much and eventually she won't remember them when they do. Please call the important seniors every chance you get. The time with her is a precious gift that is slowly being taken away and one day she'll be gone. Cherish your grandparents they cherish you.

shannonrichards25 avatar
ShareMusic
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So sweet! First time I've cried over something on Bored Panda

renaehislop avatar
Rae of sun
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im pretty sure you can hear my “awwww sweet” from across the ocean

klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so heart achingly beautiful. This couple’s love transcends all bounds.

erinwelch_1 avatar
ERIN W.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm SO glad they came up w/some sort of wedding for him despite them being married already! I do wish them well though! Oh and FOXXY: I like your comment re. the wedding, minus the first line ofcourse! I also like the pic. you have by your name that's PRETTY!

justtina avatar
Just Tina
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Nan got diagnosed with Dementia before my son was born. He's three now and everytime I take him over, she acts just as excited to see him. There are moments where shes hugging him and instantly forgets who he is but just continues hugging him. She is my most favourite person in the whole world and is still the same loving person even with Dementia.

chris-watson-73113528 avatar
Chris Watson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are still good and loving people in this world. God bless

christysmith_1 avatar
Christy Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It has to be love if 9 out of 12 years he has dementia & his wife stuck by him through thick & thin. Dementia is hard on everyone, esp when it's this severe. She's so good to him that he actually fell in love with her all over again, she's a class act, and I hope he stays in 'the present' for a long time.

mariarohlen avatar
Maria Rohlen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually I think this is heartbreaking, they've been married for 12 years and he can't remember. Great she's still the love of his life and that they have renewed their vows but still, 12 yo marriage and she's the only one who's remember.

alisrius_1 avatar
Alicia Rius
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's hard to read the full story when your eyes are tearing...

jibblywobb avatar
Gemma Lees
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so sweet! My awesome grandad has dementia and once a week we have him for the day to give my grandma the day off and to give him varied experiences and our son a chance to bond with him. Our son is autistic and the two of them have this amazing bond that neither have with anyone else. He doesn't remember much about the recent years but he can still talk very clearly about serving in Korea, especially about how hot it was! Revisiting the past with dementia patients has been proven to help sufferers, I also saw this in action with my Nana in law who found great comfort in a baby doll who she thought was my MIL in her final days.

tlilly avatar
Gracie Mae
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what an awesome and uplifting story! it's great that you went along with it, but even better that even though he didn't remember, he still wanted to be married to you. that's definitely love

annielaurie avatar
AnnieLaurie Burke
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter what illness or disability loved ones have, love can still find a way to grow. I have bittersweet memories of my husband's last days as he battled terminal brain cancer that gave him many symptoms of dementia. He was bedridden in a 24-hour care facility for the last few months of his life, but I was with him every day (despite an insurance company that wanted to put him in a facility over 70 miles away, because they said I didn't "need" to see him every day). I sang his favorite songs to him, we "danced" (I held his hands as he laid in bed, and I danced in place). He loved his pets, so I brought his special kitty for visits with "Dad". Little expressions of love bring sunshine into the lives of loved ones that may be otherwise in a dark and terrifying world.

julia_n_89 avatar
anotherboredpanda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in a nursing home and meet lots of people with dementia. You may need to remind them of drinking or they may ask the same question every few minutes. But most of them are very kind hearted, sweet and most thankful for simple things. I couldn't imagine working another job.

kwhatley143 avatar
Kristin Whatley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is such a sweet story I needed to hear. All I see or hear about is awful violence or negative news. This story touches my heart.

carnavel avatar
Taffy Lindley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn't this like the Plot for the Nicholas Sparks Movie Adaptation of the Notebook?

martatavares22 avatar
Martata
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so beautiful, it's like Nicholas Sparks wrote their love story but gave it a better ending than he usually does.

james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn, someone’s been cutting onions. So bittersweet, he has pretty much forgotten the life he had with her before the dementia but has obviously fallen in love with her all over again. I wish you both all the best through this happy but difficult time.

payet_fabienne avatar
Tahani
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So heartwarming, that's love for you! It conquers everything!

frozengeckolover avatar
Frozengeckolover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is so cute! My great-aunt "introduced" my aunt and uncle... At their wedding reception. Then she proceeded to tell everyone that they would make a cute couple. By the end of the reception we had convinced her that they had just gotten married (and she had just attended their wedding). She then said it was good they got married, so as not to bring shame on their lovechild. She was talking about my baby brother. She thought my baby brother was my aunt and uncle's lovechild. My aunt was a little embarrassed, but no one was mad. The poor lady coundn't help it. She was very sweet and we all miss her. She would often say, "I don't remember who you are, but if you know me then I love you."

elizabethcwest avatar
Pretty Pangolin
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad had dementia. Toward the end of his life, my mom came to the nursing home to visit him (they've been divorced for ages). He didn't quite understand who she was, but then again he did - he asked her about "The girl in the green Dartmouth cap" - that was her when they first met! I think dementia works like that a lot - he couldn't say what he had for breakfast, but he remembered things from decades ago.

max_lombardi_mi avatar
Max L.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it depends which brain areas are affected bya a variety of symptoms, such as vessel hardening, small neurological "short circuits" that in the worst case can leave you half paralized, and so on. my mom side grands were one each other, grandpa very present and realized immediately how to use a cellphone in his nineties, grandma very remembering old times but confused at the point she realized it was better acting like if she kew who everybody was not to raise suspects of malfuntioning. Yes she was this smart, she was my grandmother, right ?

Load More Replies...
jhope71 avatar
Jamie
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a beautiful story. Love is real and takes many forms. I'm glad it lives on in his mind and heart and that their bond is so strong, even in trying times. Best wishes to the "newlyweds!"

slw303 avatar
Sue Prewitt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so glad she didn't say "Oh Bill, we're already married, don't be silly". It would have just made him feel bad, and she wouldn't have such wonderful memories. - But I know people who would do that.

firstlastother124 avatar
knittin' kitten
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My grandmother has dementia. She is still grandma just a little different. Kind as always but doesn't understand the passing of time anymore. Someone who died 30 years ago she asked how they doing. Its heartbreaking seeing a once vibrant and full of life person slowly become child-like again. Mom nor my sister communicate with her much and eventually she won't remember them when they do. Please call the important seniors every chance you get. The time with her is a precious gift that is slowly being taken away and one day she'll be gone. Cherish your grandparents they cherish you.

shannonrichards25 avatar
ShareMusic
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So sweet! First time I've cried over something on Bored Panda

renaehislop avatar
Rae of sun
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im pretty sure you can hear my “awwww sweet” from across the ocean

klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so heart achingly beautiful. This couple’s love transcends all bounds.

erinwelch_1 avatar
ERIN W.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm SO glad they came up w/some sort of wedding for him despite them being married already! I do wish them well though! Oh and FOXXY: I like your comment re. the wedding, minus the first line ofcourse! I also like the pic. you have by your name that's PRETTY!

justtina avatar
Just Tina
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Nan got diagnosed with Dementia before my son was born. He's three now and everytime I take him over, she acts just as excited to see him. There are moments where shes hugging him and instantly forgets who he is but just continues hugging him. She is my most favourite person in the whole world and is still the same loving person even with Dementia.

chris-watson-73113528 avatar
Chris Watson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are still good and loving people in this world. God bless

christysmith_1 avatar
Christy Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It has to be love if 9 out of 12 years he has dementia & his wife stuck by him through thick & thin. Dementia is hard on everyone, esp when it's this severe. She's so good to him that he actually fell in love with her all over again, she's a class act, and I hope he stays in 'the present' for a long time.

mariarohlen avatar
Maria Rohlen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually I think this is heartbreaking, they've been married for 12 years and he can't remember. Great she's still the love of his life and that they have renewed their vows but still, 12 yo marriage and she's the only one who's remember.

alisrius_1 avatar
Alicia Rius
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's hard to read the full story when your eyes are tearing...

jibblywobb avatar
Gemma Lees
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so sweet! My awesome grandad has dementia and once a week we have him for the day to give my grandma the day off and to give him varied experiences and our son a chance to bond with him. Our son is autistic and the two of them have this amazing bond that neither have with anyone else. He doesn't remember much about the recent years but he can still talk very clearly about serving in Korea, especially about how hot it was! Revisiting the past with dementia patients has been proven to help sufferers, I also saw this in action with my Nana in law who found great comfort in a baby doll who she thought was my MIL in her final days.

tlilly avatar
Gracie Mae
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what an awesome and uplifting story! it's great that you went along with it, but even better that even though he didn't remember, he still wanted to be married to you. that's definitely love

annielaurie avatar
AnnieLaurie Burke
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No matter what illness or disability loved ones have, love can still find a way to grow. I have bittersweet memories of my husband's last days as he battled terminal brain cancer that gave him many symptoms of dementia. He was bedridden in a 24-hour care facility for the last few months of his life, but I was with him every day (despite an insurance company that wanted to put him in a facility over 70 miles away, because they said I didn't "need" to see him every day). I sang his favorite songs to him, we "danced" (I held his hands as he laid in bed, and I danced in place). He loved his pets, so I brought his special kitty for visits with "Dad". Little expressions of love bring sunshine into the lives of loved ones that may be otherwise in a dark and terrifying world.

julia_n_89 avatar
anotherboredpanda
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in a nursing home and meet lots of people with dementia. You may need to remind them of drinking or they may ask the same question every few minutes. But most of them are very kind hearted, sweet and most thankful for simple things. I couldn't imagine working another job.

kwhatley143 avatar
Kristin Whatley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is such a sweet story I needed to hear. All I see or hear about is awful violence or negative news. This story touches my heart.

carnavel avatar
Taffy Lindley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn't this like the Plot for the Nicholas Sparks Movie Adaptation of the Notebook?

martatavares22 avatar
Martata
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so beautiful, it's like Nicholas Sparks wrote their love story but gave it a better ending than he usually does.

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