Dad with dementia reminds daughter how much he loves her — even after failing to recognize her

To watch their parents suffer from health issues is tremendously painful for any child. In one such emotional moment, a man named Scott, diagnosed with dementia, expresses his love for his daughter, Bailey, after struggling to recognize her. This moment was very special for Bailey, who goes by @baileyrosek on TikTok. Bailey often shares video clips depicting numerous unfiltered conversations with Scott to spread awareness about the critical illness, which causes memory loss. 

The video begins with Bailey asking her dad, "What am I doing that's freaking you out?" as Scott seems clueless while looking at his daughter. He responds, "You calling me dad is freaking me out." He even says he doesn't believe he's Bailey's dad.  As the conversation between the father and daughter unfolds, it seems Scott was able to recognize Bailey after all, but without being able to establish the relationship they share. “I have feelings for you. There are feelings. I know this girl, this lady. She is important to me in my life. So, you mean something to me,” he says. Scott then points towards his wife and says that he thinks she is his mother.

Although Scott doesn't remember who his wife is, he says she is a good person and that he feels safe around her. How Bailey interacts with her dad clearly shows how much she cares for him and wouldn't let him feel trapped in his own head despite the condition. The viral video had people reaching for tissues as they praised the beautiful bond between the dad and daughter. One TikTok user, @slaghtjk, commented, “‘We’re family’ got me crying. Love and connection really transcend even the most challenging situations.” Another person, @thelilmissm, wrote, “I work with a lot of dementia patients and I'm in awe of his articulation. He's able to communicate so effectively in his own way.”

@maggie198712 chimed in, “At least you know he’ll always love you. You’re doing an amazing job, it’s hard taking care of the ones who are supposed to take care of you.” @captain.capybara also praised their connection, saying, “His insane amount of love for you hasn't been lost to dementia. Even though he doesn't know much about who he is, he knows for sure he loves you.” @desperatelyseekingspoons shared her similar experience and wrote, “This was the hardest part for me when my Pop would forget who I was- or who he was to me.” As for Bailey, despite the heartbreak that comes with having a parent who is suffering memory loss, she has made it her mission to widely talk about it. 

Taking care of a person with dementia takes a lot of time, patience and effort. The one who is suffering might feel very lonely and frustrated at times, but when the situation is handled well, it makes them feel safe, and the condition naturally becomes manageable.