EPISODE · Jan 25, 2022 · 29 MIN
Redeeming Dementia with Dorothy Linthicum
from The ChurchNext Podcast · host Carrie Graves, Dorothy Linthicum
If you’re interested in learning more about dementia and spirituality, check out the following books: Redeeming Dementia: Spirituality, Theology, and Science (2018) by Dorothy Linthicum and Janice Hicks. Walking Each Other Home: Spiritual Companionship for Dementia Caregivers (2021) by Jean DentonRedeeming Dementia: Spirituality, Theology, and Science (2018) by Dorothy Linthicum and Janice Hicks.On Pluto: Inside the Mind of Alzheimer's (2018 edition) by Greg O'Brien.Spirituality and Aging (2009) by Richard AtchleyLiving in the Memories of God (2012) by John SwintonBecoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship (Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability) (2018) by John SwintonDancing with Elephants: Mindfulness Training For Those Living With Dementia, Chronic Illness or an Aging Brain (2017) by Jarem SawatskyYou might be interested in other ChurchNext classes on spirituality for caregivers and those suffering from illness:Courage for Caregivers with Jamie HaithGrowing Old with Grace (Not Glamor) with Barbara CraftonEucharistic Visitation with Tim SpannausHow to Help a Sick Friend with Joyce MercerWe close with a prayer adapted from Father Timothy Menezes’ Prayer for Those Suffering from Dementia, written for the Pastoral Care Project© 2009:Father of all goodness, your Son brought healing of mind and body to show that your Kingdom is here. In our hour of need, we look to you, we seek to understand your purpose. We pray for those whose lives we share and who live with the knowledge of weakness, whose memory now fades, whose enjoyment of life’s story is changing. Make us aware of the needs of others, of the dignity of life at every stage, of the collective memory that we own. Bless those who care for the sick, who share the journey. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, in Your good time. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Embed this episode
What this episode covers
Today we talk about dementia and its spiritual implications. Dementia is a pervasive affliction that robs victims of their memories, but does not rob them of their spirits. As a culture, we are afraid of dementia. We rely so heavily on our brains' functioning as they should that it can feel like everything is lost when our rational functions and memories become inaccessible to us. It's terrible for family members and friends to watch the people they love apparently disappear into the confusion -- lost, as if their lives are over, though their bodies remain. Even life's hardest experiences offer chances to learn and grow. People treat dementia differently, though, even those who do see challenges as opportunities, because dementia feels wasteful and final, like there’s nothing to learn from it. How can you grow from something that diminishes you or a loved one so thoroughly? Today Dorothy shows us that, like with other difficult experiences, it is possible to find value in dementia -- in experiencing it and in watching loved ones experience it.
Ready to play
Redeeming Dementia with Dorothy Linthicum
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Similar Podcasts
No similar podcasts found.