From Fear of Loss to Shalom : Theological Reflection on Dementia

Abstract

Modern society values competence, intelligence and autonomy, it devalues those who are unable to demonstrate their ability to communicate and experience problems with cognition. Beyond the question of why dementia occurs, what this means for those living with dementia gives families and friends a significant challenge. The challenge which dementia brings raises questions regarding not only what it means to remember, but also what it means to be human. As a theological discussion, this paper considers the stories of people living with dementia and how the scientific discovery of dementia brings fear of loss of self and relationships around us, where assumptions are made about people with dementia accompanied with the fear of embarrassment by stigma. After a few theological considerations, I recount the stories of people living with dementia and reflect on them, particularly regarding the issue around the meaning of loss. This paper also suggests ways in which the church community may respond to the need to care for people with dementia and their families; by holding the person’s identity rather than being threatened by them after the diagnosis; and by being attentive to the need for moral solidarity and care for people with dementia. As implicated, the radical gesture of Christian hospitality in communion is proposed for the Church to demonstrate the imminent presence of God’s shalom to hold people with dementia and their identity together in the body of Christ. This paper is also a small tribute for my dear friend, Ruth, who had lived her life in honoring Jesus regardless of Alzheimer’s related dementia.