Lest We Forget
A Christian Response to Dementia
by
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Introduction The facts speak for themselves. There is every possibility that as we grow older, we will forget more and have increasing difficulty with day-to-day tasks. This is especially true if memory loss progresses and interferes with our usual activities. What started for us when we were young, forgetting a name or misplacing our keys, for many, will become a daily struggle. For a follower of Jesus, this memory loss may affect our recollection and interpretation of familiar Bible verses. I hope this book will bring back the memory of treasured scripture and restore the comfort and peace of God's Word to the hearts and minds of all who struggle to remember. The book presents typical scenarios experienced by those with memory loss and provides scripture to reassure, comfort, and distract from the situation causing distress and troubling feelings. The selected verses are also intended for the caregiver of the person suffering from these problematic conditions. I also address how diminished cognition makes one vulnerable to adverse outcomes from the common issue of frailty. Cognitive impairment and frailty are strongly associated. When their synergistic relationship is understood, it should compel us to shore up our loved one’s physical reserves and become proactive in preventing adverse outcomes. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 “You are my hope, Lord God, my confidence from my youth. Don’t discard me in my old age; as my strength fails, do not abandon me.” Psalm 71: 5, 9
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About the Book
Th is easy-to-read book is written for those who care for an older loved ones experiencing changes in their mental functioning. They might be struggling with memory loss or word - finding and need support and understanding. Their decline may progress, and the common distressing scenarios will be challenging. These are addressed in this book, along with scripture verses and favourite hymns to buffer the struggle and comfort the caregiver.
About the Author
Margaret has been a follower of Jesus since age five and a nurse since age 20. In the late 1980’s Margaret became a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and studied Epidemiology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Every educational advancement for Margaret and all her professional roles honed her interest and competence in caring for older adults dealing with multiple chronic illnesses and frailty. Margaret was part of a loving, Godly family, close to her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. So, it was natural, as each family member dealt with some degree of cognitive impairment and or dementia, that Margaret was involved in guiding the family through the best approaches to a stressful situation. From her professional work, family involvement, and church affiliation, Margaret often shared her expertise with those who needed comfort and support. She often found herself in the same shoes as the anticipated reader of this booklet. As a result, her empathy and patience come through in these pages and her spiritual support and guidance ring true. Margaret’s expertise in caring for older adults and empathy for their caregivers comes across clearly and brings needed medical information and spiritual comfort to the readers. Margaret is a wife, mother, and grandmother living in Ontario, Canada.