Man with Dementia Who Had Forgotten His Wife Remarried Her in 2019, Believing She Was His New Love

Bill and Anne wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, cherishing each moment. However, things changed when Bill got dementia. Years later, they started their love story all over again and tied the knot for the second time.

Many couples aspire to have a happily-ever-after together, but sometimes, unforeseen circumstances get in the way and make it hard to achieve.

Such was the case for Bill and Anne, who thought their love story would end when Bill was diagnosed with dementia. However, they defied the odds in a way that no other couple could.

Initially, the couple met and fell in love two decades ago in Aberdeen, Scotland. In 2007, they tied the knot and later welcomed one daughter.

All was well for Bill and Anne until a shift in his behavior caught her eye. When they decided to seek medical advice, it was discovered that Bill had dementia.

Unfortunately, Bill suffered the worst symptom, memory loss, and quickly had treasured memories fade away. His loving partner became his caretaker and stayed by his side until Bill eventually forgot her name.

It came to the point that he no longer recognized her as his wife, which broke Anne’s heart. Still, she did everything to make her husband happy and feel safe.

It was difficult for the daughter to see her mom go through such an illness, but it was even more painful after her mother passed away.

When it seemed all hope was lost, Bill fell in love with Anne all over again without recalling that she was his wife. He loved her and wanted to marry her without understanding that they had already exchanged vows years ago.

At the age of 71, Bill married his wife for the second time, thinking she was a new lover. Their family was supportive of the wedding, knowing that it was a mere renewal of vows.

But to Bill, it was his first time marrying the love of his life. In an outdoor celebration, the pair vowed to love each other for the rest of their lives and shared their first dance. Anne shared:

“My family and friends are wonderful because they just embraced -- no questions asked -- just embraced.”

“Living with this condition, you take a day at a time. Some days are a bit rubbishy, and other days are completely magical when they completely surprise you,” Anne said in an interview. “He’s still my Bill.”

Dementia is a sickness that has ruined relationships and taken lives. A woman was previously in a similar situation as she took care of her mother with dementia for five years.

It was difficult for the daughter to see her mom go through such an illness, but it was even more painful after her mother passed away.

However, the woman discovered notes left by her late mother in their home that made her feel better. One of the notes read, “Last will & testament: I trust you, and I love you.” While the pain stayed, the letters helped cope with grief.