Dementia - a Biblical Response

(Report of a lecture by Rev. Roger Hitchings regarding Dementia, held at Beeston Free Church, Nottingham on 10th July 2004.)

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a wide range of conditions which manifest themselves through the loss of intellectual function. The most common form is Alzheimer's disease. It is always important that a professional assessment takes place to determine the exact cause.

We live in a fallen world and therefore we will always be open to developing any illness which, of course, includes dementia. However, Christians can take encouragement from what Paul says in 2 Cor. 3 v.18 which explains that while the natural body decays, the spiritual body, the inner man, is being changed 'from one degree of glory to another'. Paul adds that he will not be old for very long and he has learned to think about earthly things in a heavenly way - he has his mind fixed on eternity.

Our society rarely holds older people in the high esteem that the Bible teaches should be the case. Those who are confused and mentally afflicted are often spurned by the world around. The church, however, has a God ordained responsibility to honour the old (Lev. 19 v. 32, Lam. 5 v.12-14, 1 Pet. 5 v.5).

When responding to someone with dementia it is important that Christians treat the person and not the condition. The sufferer is 'made in the image of God' and individuality and personal preferences must be recognised along with carefully dealing with fears and emotions. It is important to maintain spiritual inputs - use familiar hymns - talk about simple Christian truths - draw on events from childhood - speak often about heaven and remind them of well known Bible verses such as John 14 v.1-3, Rev. 21 v.3-5, Rev. 22 v. 1-4.

The church also has a responsibility to support the Carer who needs lots of sympathy and understanding, as well as keeping them in touch with the fellowship. Some church members can offer periods of relief and also encourage Carers in their spiritual life through offering them tapes or praying together, etc.

A tape of the conference is available to be borrowed from Elizabeth Taylor.

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