Granddaughter's TikTok Dementia Journey Reaches Millions Before AI Deepfake Attack
When Dorothy Jean, a 93-year-old grandmother living with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's, asked her granddaughter Jessica Anne if she was there to clean her room, the heartbreaking moment became a turning point that would eventually touch millions of lives worldwide.
Jessica Anne, known online as Little Jess, captured that poignant interaction on video and shared it on TikTok with modest hopes of connecting with others experiencing similar situations. Neither she nor her beloved nan could have predicted their account 'Little Jess & Nan' would grow to help 1.8 million people better understand dementia through their authentic, compassionate content.
Creating Connection Through Shared Experience
'When I shared that first video online, millions responded with their own stories of heartbreak, confusion, and love,' Jess explains to Metro. 'That overwhelming response revealed how many people were suffering quietly, and I decided to continue posting. If our videos could help even one person feel less isolated, then every moment was worth it.'
The pair's TikTok content showcases the complex realities of dementia with remarkable honesty. Their most popular video has reached an astonishing 19.8 million viewers, offering rare insight into daily life with the condition. Dorothy Jean is now bedbound and often believes she's a toddler, calling Jess 'mum' and reminiscing about her school days. Some days she's content, while others bring anger and frustration that manifests as screaming demands for Jess to leave.
'I will always protect my nan's dignity above everything else,' Jess emphasises. 'The videos are carefully edited, and there are moments of sadness, distress, and personal care that I would never share publicly. Our intention has always been to educate and support, not to exploit.'
From Family Updates to Global Support Network
The videos originated as a practical solution for Dorothy Jean's extensive family. Her four children and fourteen grandchildren began documenting their interactions with the 93-year-old for their family group chat, providing regular updates about her wellbeing.
'It meant it wasn't as frightening to see nan in that vulnerable state,' Jess explains. 'The videos actually encouraged people to visit more frequently and demonstrated that you can still have meaningful, joyful conversations with someone living with dementia.'
When Jess began sharing the content publicly, her family offered nothing but support. They understood how deeply Dorothy Jean had always valued helping others throughout her life, and now she was making a difference on a global scale.
The Physical Reality of Dementia
Dorothy Jean first showed signs of dementia in 2017, describing her brain as feeling like 'fog' and struggling to recall conversations moments after they occurred. Jess remembers this period as 'scary and awful,' particularly when her grandmother asked Jess's boyfriend to introduce himself nearly fifty times in one hour despite having seen him just two months earlier.
'My nan would walk around the house she'd lived in for years and not recognise her own kitchen,' Jess recalls. 'She'd put things in the microwave and forget about them. She'd wander off, and the situation was becoming increasingly unsafe.'
Like many people facing dementia in a loved one, Jess initially lacked awareness about the condition's physical aspects. 'You forget how to walk, talk, and swallow,' she explains. 'It's not just memory loss.'
During this confusing time, Jess turned to the Alzheimer's Society for guidance. 'After nan's diagnosis, we felt like we'd hit a brick wall. But Alzheimer's Society were incredible. Any small question you have—like "I can't get my mum to eat her food"—they provide the most wonderful, practical advice.'
Finding Joy Amidst the Challenge
Dorothy Jean moved into a care home toward the end of 2019, but this transition hasn't diminished the quality time she shares with her family. She remains the 'heart of the family,' remembered for hosting legendary Christmas parties complete with games, talent shows, and exceptional Christmas dinners that she still mentions today.
'She has always been funny and quick-witted, and even with dementia she's never lost this spark,' Jess laughs, recalling her nan's sassy moments. 'My grandad isn't here anymore to defend himself, so she'll constantly make jokes about him unexpectedly.'
According to Jess, this ability to find humour and connection represents what their TikTok posts do best: demonstrating that life with Alzheimer's can still contain genuine joy and meaningful relationships.
The Dark Side of Online Visibility
While Jess has built a supportive community and discovered practical resources through her followers—including affordable fidget blankets to engage dementia patients' minds and rinse-free cleansing wipes—the internet's cruel underbelly has also emerged.
Vile trolls have created AI deepfakes of Dorothy Jean, producing fake videos that show her speaking with an American accent and falsely claiming her dementia has been cured.
'It's absolutely heartbreaking because that's not what I ever chose to share with my nan,' Jess says sadly. 'I never wanted our story to be taken in this wrong direction. But me and my followers always report these fakes immediately. Fortunately, most people are wonderfully supportive, with only the occasional exception.'
Creating Lasting Impact
Scrolling through the comments on Jess and Dorothy Jean's videos reveals their profound impact. People share their own grandparents' dementia journeys, express renewed motivation to visit elderly relatives, and gather practical tips for communicating with those living with the disease.
Jess, who is supporting Metro's Lifeline campaign in partnership with Alzheimer's Society, has learned that entering her nan's 'dementia world' rather than trying to force her into reality creates the most peaceful interactions.
Navigating dementia and Alzheimer's has changed Jess forever, bringing both dramatically emotional farewells that felt like final goodbyes and the daily challenge of rebuilding connection each time she visits the care home. Yet with support from her family, care home staff, and online community, she maintains her strength and commitment.
'My nan always gave to charities and put others first throughout her life,' Jess says with a smile. 'If she knew how many millions of people she was helping just by being herself, she would be absolutely overjoyed.'
