Dignity in the Face of Dementia
Dementia is a harsh reality that affects millions of people worldwide. As life expectancy increases, so does the likelihood of developing dementia. In fact, it’s estimated that over one-third of today’s seniors will die with some degree of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause, but other diseases like multiple strokes and Parkinson’s can also lead to dementia.
A Complex and Challenging Condition
Each person with dementia is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for them. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is seven years, but it can range from three to twenty years. Dementia slowly progresses, and its impact on the individual and their loved ones can be devastating.
Finding Purpose in Suffering
Despite the challenges, Christians believe that God has a purpose in suffering. “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Ps. 57:2). God does not make mistakes, and His purpose may be in the life of the victim, the caregivers, or society as a whole. One of the challenges of dementia is recognizing those purposes and aligning ourselves with them.
The Image of God and Human Dignity
The image of God imparts dignity to all people, regardless of their functional abilities or IQ. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “There are no gradations in the image of God.” This means that every person, including those with dementia, deserves our respect and care. We must recognize their God-given dignity and respond in ways that affirm their worth.
Respecting and Caring for Those with Dementia
One of the best ways to improve the quality of life for those with dementia is to respect their dignity. This means providing for their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, even when it’s difficult to understand what they are. By showing respect and care, we can bring glory to God and offer the best possible care to those affected by dementia.
Lessons from the Advanced Stages
In the advanced stages of dementia, patients often live in the present tense, free from worries about the past or future. They may repeat stories or experiences, but this can be a source of joy and connection for them and their caregivers. As Christians, we believe that our hope is to live eternally in the presence of God, where there will be no more dementia or suffering.
Eternal Hope
Heaven will be a time to experience the glory of God in ways impossible while confined to our present bodies and brains. Those afflicted by dementia will say with all other believers, “I shall know fully even as I have been fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12). This eternal hope gives us strength and motivation to care for those with dementia, knowing that their suffering is not in vain.
About the Author
John Dunlop (MD, Johns Hopkins University) practiced geriatric medicine for thirty-eight years and taught in the bioethics program at Trinity International University. He is the author of Finishing Well to the Glory of God; Wellness for the Glory of God; and Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia.
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