In Partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, David Leask Turns the Pain of Dementia Into a Song of Empathy and Hope

There’s a quiet kind of bravery in David Leask’s new single When I Become Confused—the kind that comes from lived experience, from sitting beside someone you love as they slowly fade into memory. Drawing from his own journey supporting his mother-in-law through dementia, the award-winning Scots-Canadian singer-songwriter has created a poignant Adult Contemporary-Jazz ballad that feels as intimate as a whispered conversation.

Released in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society of Peel, When I Become Confused offers a rare glimpse into the inner world of someone navigating memory loss. Inspired by a poem from Leask’s longtime friend Rob Keiller, the song is both personal and universally resonant. It doesn’t shy away from the heartbreak of dementia—but it also doesn’t let go of the love that lingers underneath.

Leask’s delivery is gentle, honest, and incredibly moving. Backed by a dream team of Canadian musicians—Justin Abedin, Aaron Davis, Davide Di Renzo, and Drew Birston—the song was recorded live off the floor at Toronto’s Canterbury Music, giving it a rich emotional texture that wraps around the listener like a memory you didn’t realize you still carried.

Pair that with a beautifully animated video by artist Paul Willis, and the track becomes more than a song—it becomes a vessel for empathy. A reminder that even in confusion, there is connection. Even in forgetfulness, there is feeling.

Premiered on BBC Radio and recently featured on CBC Montreal’s All In A Weekend, When I Become Confused is already making waves for its emotional depth and musical grace. Whether you’ve walked this road with a loved one or not, there’s something in this track that will catch you off guard—in the best way.

With decades of songwriting under his belt, David Leask continues to prove that some of the most powerful music doesn’t just entertain—it helps us understand each other.