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Second Forgetting: Remembering the Power of the Gospel during Alzheimer’s Disease
Charles is 78 years old and there is much he cannot remember. He cannot remember the names of his children, why he lives in a nursing home, or even whether he ate breakfast today. His forgetting causes confusion, and in his fear and uncertainty he sometimes lashes out at those who try to care for him. But when someone reads a favorite Psalm he quickly joins in, reciting each cherished word. When he hears an old hymn of faith, his hand slowly raises and he breathes out each word quietly, his face reflecting a peace that passes all understanding.
Alzheimer s disease has been described as the defining disease of the baby boomer generation. Millions of Americans will spend much of their retirement years either caring for a loved one with Alzheimer s disease or experiencing its effects on their lives firsthand. When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer s, they face great uncertainty, knowing that they can expect to live their remaining years with increasing confusion and progressively greater reliance upon other people to care for them. As the disease advances it seems to overwhelm a person, narrowing their focus and leading them to forget critical truths about the Lord, their life with him, and his promises.
Through the personal stories of those affected and the loved ones who care for them, Dr. Benjamin Mast highlights the power of the gospel for those suffering from Alzheimer s disease. Filled with helpful, up-to-date information, Dr. Mast answers common questions about the disease and its effect on personal identity and faith as he explores the biblical importance of remembering and God s commitment to not forget his people. In addition, he gives practical suggestions for how the church can come alongside families and those struggling, offering help and hope to victims of this debilitating disease.
If you are a Christian who knows or loves someone with Alzheimer s disease, have recently been diagnosed with early Alzheimer s disease, or are a pastor or ministry leader seeking to better understand and minister to people with Alzheimer s disease this book will encourage you with the good news of God s faithfulness and the future hope he calls us to."
Alzheimer s disease has been described as the defining disease of the baby boomer generation. Millions of Americans will spend much of their retirement years either caring for a loved one with Alzheimer s disease or experiencing its effects on their lives firsthand. When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer s, they face great uncertainty, knowing that they can expect to live their remaining years with increasing confusion and progressively greater reliance upon other people to care for them. As the disease advances it seems to overwhelm a person, narrowing their focus and leading them to forget critical truths about the Lord, their life with him, and his promises.
Through the personal stories of those affected and the loved ones who care for them, Dr. Benjamin Mast highlights the power of the gospel for those suffering from Alzheimer s disease. Filled with helpful, up-to-date information, Dr. Mast answers common questions about the disease and its effect on personal identity and faith as he explores the biblical importance of remembering and God s commitment to not forget his people. In addition, he gives practical suggestions for how the church can come alongside families and those struggling, offering help and hope to victims of this debilitating disease.
If you are a Christian who knows or loves someone with Alzheimer s disease, have recently been diagnosed with early Alzheimer s disease, or are a pastor or ministry leader seeking to better understand and minister to people with Alzheimer s disease this book will encourage you with the good news of God s faithfulness and the future hope he calls us to."
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2014
56 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 10, 2025
Prior to reading this I don't think I had a really good understanding of what Alzheimer's/dementia fully entailed, nor how to help people with these diseases or caregivers. This book is a great combination of spiritual truths and practical advice that have made a significant impact on me.
October 9, 2023
2nd Read Update: Still absolutely love this book. Highly, highly recommend.
I. LOVED. THIS. I did not expect a book with Alzheimer's in the title to be so relevant to my experiences as caregiver for my father, who has a rare form of early onset dementia called FTD. But I was very, very wrong. Every chapter was a balm to my soul and left me with more hope and encouragement than any other book in its field. Theologically rich and full of extremely practical tips, Dr. Mast masterfully applies the powerful truths of the gospel to the very specific and painful struggles of battling neurological diseases, helping patients, caregivers, and families understand how the character and love of God can strengthen and empower us to fight these battles well. I think I cried more reading this book than any book in a long, long time. So. Much. Hope. Whether you have a neurological disease in your family or are trying to love someone else who does: START HERE. Highly recommend. "Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you." Isaiah 49:15
I. LOVED. THIS. I did not expect a book with Alzheimer's in the title to be so relevant to my experiences as caregiver for my father, who has a rare form of early onset dementia called FTD. But I was very, very wrong. Every chapter was a balm to my soul and left me with more hope and encouragement than any other book in its field. Theologically rich and full of extremely practical tips, Dr. Mast masterfully applies the powerful truths of the gospel to the very specific and painful struggles of battling neurological diseases, helping patients, caregivers, and families understand how the character and love of God can strengthen and empower us to fight these battles well. I think I cried more reading this book than any book in a long, long time. So. Much. Hope. Whether you have a neurological disease in your family or are trying to love someone else who does: START HERE. Highly recommend. "Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you." Isaiah 49:15
May 8, 2021
I've run across it numerous times in my adult life. From extended family to hospice chaplain to the three Presbyterian churches where I have served. Inevitably there will be people in my life with dementia/Alzheimer's. Thus, a few years back I picked up a copy of "Second Forgetting: Remembering the power of the Gospel during Alzheimer's Disease" by Dr. Benjamin T. Mast, professor and chair of the department of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. Though I didn't read it back when I purchased it, I found it floating around my library recently and decided it was time. And I was not disappointed! This 192-page softback is straightforward in it's presentation, easily comprehended, and filled with hope for both those who have dementia and their caregivers.
Dr. Mast walks readers through the physical and emotional process of dementia, and one of it's major manifestations, Alzheimer's. The description of what happens to the brain, as well as the three basic areas of remembering, was very helpful. He further gives guidance to those facing this disease that impacts memory, to caregivers, and to the church. It is packed with valuable details, stories, and perspectives that can aid all involved in seeing the bigger picture and restoring some sense of focus.
The title of the book is explained early on and gives readers a conceptual idea as to where the author is coming from and where he is going: "The first forgetting is experienced by the person with Alzheimer's, but the second forgetting reflects a spiritual forgetting experienced not only by the person with Alzheimer's, but more broadly by their family, friends, and even the church who seeks to care for them" (18). The second forgetting is forgetting that God is always faithful to his promises and his people, and that, no matter if we lose our way, he will never lose us on the way! In the words of Scotty Smith, who wrote the foreword, "God's love is the only love that will never let us go. We're not saved by our own memory; we are saved by the God who remembers us, by the memory of a great God of grace and mercy" (10).
"Second Forgetting" is chock-full of encouragement, direction, and "remembering". "Ask the Lord to help you see the person with dementia as God sees them: not as a bunch of deficits, but as one of his children redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ" (100). This is a book pastors, elders, caregivers, and those diagnosed with dementia need to take up and read. Several copies should be on your church book table, or in your library to be easily and liberally handed out. I highly recommend the work!
Dr. Mast walks readers through the physical and emotional process of dementia, and one of it's major manifestations, Alzheimer's. The description of what happens to the brain, as well as the three basic areas of remembering, was very helpful. He further gives guidance to those facing this disease that impacts memory, to caregivers, and to the church. It is packed with valuable details, stories, and perspectives that can aid all involved in seeing the bigger picture and restoring some sense of focus.
The title of the book is explained early on and gives readers a conceptual idea as to where the author is coming from and where he is going: "The first forgetting is experienced by the person with Alzheimer's, but the second forgetting reflects a spiritual forgetting experienced not only by the person with Alzheimer's, but more broadly by their family, friends, and even the church who seeks to care for them" (18). The second forgetting is forgetting that God is always faithful to his promises and his people, and that, no matter if we lose our way, he will never lose us on the way! In the words of Scotty Smith, who wrote the foreword, "God's love is the only love that will never let us go. We're not saved by our own memory; we are saved by the God who remembers us, by the memory of a great God of grace and mercy" (10).
"Second Forgetting" is chock-full of encouragement, direction, and "remembering". "Ask the Lord to help you see the person with dementia as God sees them: not as a bunch of deficits, but as one of his children redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ" (100). This is a book pastors, elders, caregivers, and those diagnosed with dementia need to take up and read. Several copies should be on your church book table, or in your library to be easily and liberally handed out. I highly recommend the work!
May 16, 2023
Excellent. Gospel-centered, practical help and encouragement for preparing, for caring and comforting those whose suffer with dementia including Alzheimer’s, and those who care for and love them. Full of reminders that God is our ever present help in trouble and trials and from Him and His Word & His Church we can know great comfort, wisdom and strength in our days dealing with dementia.
August 25, 2020
This book has been on my radar for several years but when it showed up on a recommended reading list for a CCEF biblical counseling course, I went ahead & bought it. Very helpful & practical & Gospel-rich book. I wrote a book review for this book for the upcoming issue of Luke's Journal and will post it when it is published.
June 13, 2019
My grandmother lived with me growing up. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just a couple years after she moved in, and she lived another two decades with the disease.
Because it runs in my family, I read a book about it every couple years. I want to understand as much as I can, but mostly, I want to know how to prepare. It may not happen, but there is a decent chance my mother or sister or I may go through the same thing. And so, I want to know, how can I prepare spiritually? What is the spiritual life of someone with dementia like? How can the churches and caretakers nourish the spiritual lives of people who can’t remember?
This was a wise book. It rang true with my experience with my grandmother. The last several chapters were very practical, realistic, and encouraging. I would recommend this book.
Because it runs in my family, I read a book about it every couple years. I want to understand as much as I can, but mostly, I want to know how to prepare. It may not happen, but there is a decent chance my mother or sister or I may go through the same thing. And so, I want to know, how can I prepare spiritually? What is the spiritual life of someone with dementia like? How can the churches and caretakers nourish the spiritual lives of people who can’t remember?
This was a wise book. It rang true with my experience with my grandmother. The last several chapters were very practical, realistic, and encouraging. I would recommend this book.
January 28, 2023
Really great book, so full of important information. With a dad who had alzheimers this book helped me to have better interactions with him. ❤️
February 23, 2025
My dad’s book! Everyone should read this!! So encouraging and helpful. Decided I needed to finally read it after being told how amazing it is by 39496063 million people!
May 26, 2017
This book was recommended to me by a friend and it delivered exactly what I needed to hear as we deal with my mom's Alzheimer's disease. A combination of solid biblical theology, true stories, and non-technical medical information. I highly recommend it for caregivers, people in early phases of dementia or Alzheimer's, and people who want to know how to minister to those dealing with these conditions.
November 19, 2016
This is an excellent resource that is scientifically- and biblically-based. It is written not only for Alzheimer's/dementia patients and their caregivers, but also for the church as it issues a challenge to minister on a deeper level to those in the body of Christ who are struggling with degenerative neurological conditions. Every believer can gain valuable insight from reading this book.
December 27, 2014
An encouragement for caregivers. It would be an excellent book for churches to have on hand, and those in leadership should read it to gain perspective and ideas on how to minister to the growing population of elderly folks in their congregations.
October 12, 2014
You do not want to miss reading this book. It is real ! It is encouraging. It is laced with Godly wisdom and Biblical truths. It is one I will read again. Thank you, Dr. Mast for this book.
November 19, 2024
This was written for those suffering with or caring for a loved one diagnosed with dementia, but truly, this is for all Christians. Dr. Mast writes with the practical knowledge of a doctor and the spiritual wisdom of a man who fears the Lord. The first forgetting, he says, is the confusion and memory loss that accompany cognitive decline. But more importantly, the second forgetting is our knee-jerk reaction of forgetting God’s faithfulness, presence, and promises in the midst of dementia or any other type of suffering. While much of the book is geared specifically toward people affected by dementia, many of the principles apply to any overwhelming trial we might face in this life. It provides unique comfort to those for whom dementia is a part of daily life (including some wonderful encouragement for caregivers), but it also seeks to equip the church to helpfully come alongside those facing the uncertainties and burdens dementia brings. Yes, someone with dementia needs reminders, but truthfully, we ALL need reminders, especially on a spiritual level. Much of our fellowship and discipleship is about reminding one another of what is true and of the certain hope that God’s Kingdom is our final destination, our true home.
October 5, 2019
An excellent introductory book for those dealing with dementia in their lives. Full of practical advice (written by a doctor) and theologically sound reminders. Mast cautions us away from a "second forgetting," that is, the tendency of all of us to forget the grace of God, when situations like dementia arise. In the end this is the type of forgetting that can slowly sap our strength but yet is all too common to overwhelm both patients and caregivers.
February 5, 2020
This is a must read if you have known anyone close with Alzheimer's or Dementia or have lost anyone from these diseases. It is like a step by step analysis and help guide for you to ease your mind and point you in a direction of spiritual guidance for your journey and understanding. It was much more enlightening than I ever expected it to be. A great gift to give for anyone who is also a caregiver of someone suffering from the diseases.
January 11, 2024
What a helpful read in guiding believers to remember and recall the living hope we have through the Gospel, for those who have memory impairment diagnosis, or walking alongside with family members/friends who are serving and ministering to their loved ones. If you struggle to know how to love, support, and encourage them during this process and journey, Dr. Mast does a wonderful job laying out very practical ways to do this.
September 2, 2017
The power of this book is how insightfully Dr. Mast reminds us that all people should be treated with dignity, respect and love. The content of this book, although intended for those impacted by Alzheimer's, is so much more. I simply cannot recommend more highly for all, but a must-read for those impacted by dementia and/or Alzheimer's
June 28, 2020
A really helpful book; easy to read. Good resource for caregivers and those who wish to learn more how to draw alongside them. It combines the experiences of those with dementia with gospel hope and practical ways to speak into their lives. Would recommend it and already thinking who I can loan it to!
March 1, 2023
This is a good book in terms of the information provided and the spiritual support suggestions and guidance. There is a lot of clear information about dementia, Alzheimer's and other related conditions. This is a good read for anyone facing this debilitating disease for a friend or family member, and also, since we are all aging, it is a smart read for everyone else as well.
January 9, 2024
This book starts off with several chapters that feel very common place, and not very unique to understanding dementia. It feels very “ Sunday school answer” ish. However, I greatly enjoyed the last three chapters which delved into the particularities of treating, caring, and interacting with someone with dementia in the light of the gospel, and having a relationship with God.
August 14, 2017
A wonderful reminder of the Gospel message that our salvation isn't based on what we remember, but that God remembers us. Very comforting scripture references and commentary. Useful for those suffering from any form of dementia, their caregivers and those worried about suffering from dementia.
July 15, 2021
This isn’t a comprehensive guide to all things to do with Alzheimer’s. But it is the book I needed right now. I’ve got a stack of books on my table about Alzheimer’s, packed full of data and suggestions. I needed a book to help walk this path according to scripture and that’s what this does.
October 25, 2025
While the title mainly focuses on caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's, I feel it is encouraging for all caregivers of elderly parents (including those without dementia) who seek Christian hope in their serving.
June 22, 2017
Intentional integration of practices and teaching about Alzheimers
Support and gift for caregivers and those who care for them.
Support and gift for caregivers and those who care for them.
March 9, 2018
Reviewed at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3QOIXF...
June 25, 2018
So much encouragement both spiritually and practically.
September 20, 2022
If you or anyone you care for has Alzheimer's Disease (or any form of dementia), you need to read this book.
August 16, 2019
Absolutely essential read for Alzheimer's and dementia caregivers of the Christian faith. Inspiring, pulls no punches in what to expect ahead. I am keeping it on-hand so I can continue to refer to this wonderful book.
August 12, 2019
An excellent book for all pastors and churches. I had not been long in my recent pastorate (a senior congregation) when on a pastoral call the gentlemen said, "Hi, I'm Don and I have Alzheimer's." I wish I has this book at that time. Much good information and great tips. A MUST for every church library.
May 2, 2015
This book was helpful to me. Both in thinking through the pastoral and fellowship issues associated with Alzheimer's, and providing practical suggestions for how to serve those people. There are some deeper theological issues I wish the author had explored further, but I would highly commend this book to anyone thinking through these things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews