Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia

by John T. Dunlop

There Is Hope . . .

When a patient is diagnosed with dementia, it impacts not only the patient but also those who care for them. It can be devastating to watch loved ones lose the independence, personality, and abilities that once defined them, knowing there is no cure. How should Christians respond to a diagnosis of dementia?Experienced geriatrician Dr. John Dunlop wants to transform the way we view dementia—showing us how God can be honored through such a tragedy as we respect the inherent dignity of all humans made in the image of God. Sharing stories from decades of experience with dementia patients, Dunlop provides readers, particularly caregivers, with a biblical lens through which to understand the experience and challenge of this life-altering disease. Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia will help you see God's purposes as you love and care for those with dementia.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Psychology, Health, Counselling

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2017

About the author

JOHN DUNLOP, M.D. (Johns Hopkins University, 1973), practices medicine in Zion, IL, and serves as an adjunct professor at Trinity International University. He is board certified in geriatrics, holds a masters degree in bioethics, and is a fellow of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity.

Reviews

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A difficult but necessary read. The information is presented from a solidly Christian worldview and leans heavily on preserving the dignity of the person suffering from dementia. Somehow Dr. Dunlop managed to encourage and comfort while dealing with heartbreaking reality. Every chapter was needed. I especially benefited from the section that attempted to educate caregivers about how the person with dementia might be feeling at each progressing stage of the disease. Each chapter was bathed in Scripture which was so well applied and needed as the author continued to remind all involved that we are made in the image of God.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence from introduction: Dementia, dignity, and honoring God—you must be kidding! Chances are you have never seen those three thoughts in the same sentence. How can such a tragedy as dementia be dignified, and how in the world can God be honored through it?

Premise/plot: Dunlop provides a Christian perspective of care on dementia in his new book. He writes in the introduction, "My purpose in writing this book is to provide a theological lens through which we can view dementia and then give a number of practical ways in which it can be applied. I trust it will be useful for those who are developing the disease as well as those who care for people at any stage of it. I also hope that many professional caregivers, whether doctors, nurses, chaplains, or social workers, will benefit from this read. In addition, I believe it will be useful for pastors, other church leaders, and members of ethics committees. I suspect that most readers will be followers of Jesus, but I truly hope that the book will be read by non-Christians as well. I am impressed by how many who do not embrace the Christian faith nevertheless hold the life and teachings of Jesus in high regard. My desire is that they will profit from a deeper consideration of how Jesus would respond to dementia."

Table of Contents:
Introduction
God and Dementia
What Should We Know About Dementia?
What about Diagnosis?
Can Dementia Be Prevented or Treated?
How Does It Feel to Have Dementia?
The Experience of Caregiving
Help for Caregivers
How Can We Honor God Through Dementia?
Respect the Dignity of Those with Dementia
Meet the Needs of Those With Dementia
What Should the Church Do?
Grow Through the Experience of Dementia
End-of-Life Issues

My thoughts: First and foremost the book is practical and packed with information. Some of this information is medical: what is dementia? what are the different types of dementia? what are the signs of dementia? when should you see a doctor if someone you love is showing signs of dementia? are there ways to slow down dementia? what kinds of help are available for caregivers? The book has plenty of tips.

There are number of practical ways in which we can respect dignity by entering the world of people with dementia. Here are a few examples: 1. Get to know their past history, if you are not already familiar with it. Talk to them about stories from their past to allow them to enjoy the memories they still have. It may help to compile a picture book and have them explain the pictures in it. 2. Share some funny stories. They may not understand them, but if you laugh, they may enjoy laughing along with you. 3. Learn what they prefer to be called and use that when speaking with them. It may be the nickname they had as a child. 4. Learn their likes and dislikes from earlier in their lives. You might take them to places they used to enjoy and serve them the comfort foods they once relished. Their forgetfulness may enable you to do this repeatedly. If they used to love mac and cheese, they may be fine eating it every day. 5. Play the music and sing the songs they used to love. 6. Slow down to get into their world. Life for those with dementia moves slowly. Anything you do together will take more time, as it may upset them or even lead to a meltdown if they feel rushed. 7. Respect the constrictions of dementia. As the disease progresses, patients will be less interested in the past and future and more focused on the present. They will be less interested in news of the world outside and may not want to leave the comfort of their home or room. What is going on in the lives of other people may not be important to them; eventually, however, they will care only about how they feel in the here and now. To respect their dignity, those around them must learn to enjoy the present moment with them. At times, being touched and held may be all they want. Recognize that caregivers’ need for activity may be far greater than theirs. 8. Respect their resistance to change. Establish routines they are comfortable with. Having meals at the same time and going to bed and getting up on a regular schedule are usually best. The world they live in does not require much variety. 9. If they perceive that you did something wrong and have become upset by it, accept that their understanding of what happened may be totally different from yours. Do not make excuses but apologize profusely. That will affirm them, avoid arguments, and allow them to feel better.

But there are also theological aspects of this one. Dunlop examines the subjects of dignity and human worth. He asserts that it is not our intellect or memory that makes us have worth; our image-bearing does not stop with diagnosis. No matter how much the mind deteriorates, our worth and value does not diminish or lessen. Dunlop also focuses on God. God is good. God is faithful. God is sovereign. God is wise. God is ever present. God is the God of all comfort. He writes, "As we celebrate God’s goodness, we must recognize that part of his loving care for us is allowing difficulties to come into our lives—such as dementia. We cannot deny that dealing with dementia, whether from the perspective of the patient, the caregiver, or other observers, involves emotional, spiritual, and at times even physical suffering. To handle it well, Christians need to be taught early in their lives that God is in control, that he always does what is good, and that we can trust him through the hard times of life. If we are going to endure suffering in a way that honors God, we need a robust understanding of how God uses suffering. This must start with an understanding of who God is."

He concludes, "If we are going to honor God in and even through dementia, we first need to know God in an intimate way. We need to think the way he thinks, respond to life’s situations the way he responds, love the things he loves, and value the things he values. When we know God in this way, we are able to respond to dementia the way God himself would respond."

[David Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author John Dunlop, MD, does a masterful job balancing the need for practical medical knowledge of dementia, with the spiritual and emotional impacts of this dreaded disease. This book is a must read for both victims and caregivers of dementia.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive, comforting, and equipping. Both of my grandmothers are early stage, and I really resonated with the section on caregivers (more so from the perspective of watching caregivers [my immediate family] often struggle more than the patients [my grandmothers] themselves). Dementia is a sad disease, but I'm seeing more and more how the Lord works all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him. I praise the Lord that my grandmothers love their Saviour.

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative book.

Highly recommend all to read.

We can all learn and sympathize with others who are walking this road. The Experience of Caregiving chapter was really great. All the info can be applied to anyone who is taking care of individual. Caregivers are going to give all their time, money and their personal life and their relationships will suffer. This is a long and long journey for them.
The father and mother of the author both suffered from dementia. The author has walked this road. There are lots of helpful info and tips.


Other Recommended Books: Joni Eareckson Tada's When Is It Right to Die?: A Comforting and Surprising Look at Death and Dying

Table of Contents:
1. God & Dementia
2. What Should We Know about Dementia
3. What about Diagnosis
4. Can Dementia be prevented or treated
5. How does it feel to have dementia
6. The experience of caregiving
7. Help for caregivers
8. How can we honor God through dementia?
9. Respect the Dignity of those with Dementia
10. Meet the Needs of those with dementia
11. What should the Church do?
12. Grow through the experience of Dementia
13. End of Life issues.

VT Reading Challenge: 77. a book by an author who is still alive

[Lisa DiG · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine lent me this book because someone I love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It has helped me to understand the disease, give me insight into how to love her, and what to expect when the time comes for God to take her home. If you have anyone in your life that is facing dementia of any kind, I highly recommend this very gracious and compassionate book.

[Debbie Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, truthful, God-honoring book....helping a caregiver to honestly look at the present and face the future knowing God is fully in both.

I will definitely be re-reading this.

[Shannon Evanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so helpful if you have a loved one with a dementia diagnosis. Highly recommend!

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dementia, Dignity, and Honoring God

Modern medicine has made optimists out of us all.
Cancer? Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy frequently combine to leave the patient cancer-free or living well with the disease as a chronic illness.
Heart attack? Clot-busters, by-pass surgery, rehabilitation, and the patient returns to a normal life.
Dementia? Well, that’s a different story. Pharmaceutical options are disappointing, and there is no cure for the progressive downhill slide into confusion, loss of independence, and eventual death.

In Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia, Dr. John Dunlop asks, “How can such a tragedy as dementia be dignified, and how in the world can God be honored through it?” He’s well-qualified to seek the answer to his question. As a geriatrician (a medical doctor trained to meet the special health issues of older people), he has worked with dementia patients and their families professionally. He has also experienced the challenges of dementia from the patient’s perspective as he walked that hard path with his mother, his father, and his mother-in-law.

The Science and Theology of Dementia

Judeo-Christian values support a position of respect for the dignity of everyone, rooted in our belief that people are made in the image of God regardless of whether or not they can contribute to the nation’s gross domestic product. Since statistics show that, of those who live to the age of 90, nearly half will manifest some form of dementia, it is important for us to arrive at a right understanding of our role, as individuals and as the Body of Christ, in coming alongside patients and families.

Dr. Dunlop is careful to anchor his view of dementia firmly upon the foundation of Scripture’s narrative arc: creation, fall, redemption, and future hope. Although dementia was not part of the “good” God declared in the very beginning, He has a purpose in all that He allows to happen. A stunning quote from Tim Keller brought this into focus for me:

“The evils of life can be justified if we recognize that the world was primarily created to be a place where people find God and grow spiritually into all they were designed to be.” (Loc 307)
With all the good that God has given to enjoy, I find myself imagining, at times, that I’ve been placed on this planet to be comfortable and to have my own way. Dr. Dunlop encourages his readers toward a trust in God that looks for purpose even in the midst of the horror of suffering that appears to be meaningless.

Understanding dementia requires an understanding of the human brain. I found this distinction among brain, soul, and mind to be especially enlightening:

“Our brains are packed with countless nerve cells, and the chemicals that go between those cells allow one nerve cell to affect another. This enables our brains to process and record our thoughts. But we also have immaterial souls, where our thoughts originate. Together our physical brains and our immaterial souls constitute our minds.”
Normal brains forget sometimes (especially as they age — cringe), but a diseased brain is comparable to an old computer with limited memory capacity. It is storing many old memories and loses the ability to store new ones. When memory loss begins to interfere with speech and cause personality change, it is diagnosed as dementia. Seventy percent of diagnosed dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, caused by plaques and tangles in the brain which begin to kill nerve cells and “lead to a deficiency of the chemicals . . . whose job it is to carry signals from one cell to another.” (Loc 730)

Insights for Families and Caregivers

Case studies of former patients are a valuable part of John Dunlop’s contribution to the caring community. Discernment comes into play from the very beginning, even in deciding WHEN to make a diagnosis of dementia. Some patients are helped by having a name for their confusion; others are sent into despair at the prospect of future loss. He recommends calling it “a memory problem” in the early days to allay fear, and stresses that physicians should communicate hope for a meaningful and enjoyable life in spite of deterioration.

Again, because he has seen the caring process from both sides, Dr. Dunlop’s insights are especially practical and helpful:

Try to share the burden of decisions and care for the dementia patient, even though it is usually best to have just one person be the primary caregiver and decision maker.
Do not delay in setting up a legally designated, durable power of attorney for medical decisions and in having a lawyer draw up documents to give supervision of the patient’s finances to someone else.
Notify spiritual leaders so they can be available for counsel and encouragement.
Maintain a regular schedule to help dementia patients get their bearings.
Over and over again, the author emphasizes the importance of respecting the dignity of the patient. When we serve a dementia patient, first and foremost, we are serving God who finds people so infinitely lovable that He joined us on this planet so that we could know Him. Those with dementia are whole persons, loved and valued by God.
Prayer is a spiritual resource which may help the one who prays more than the patient by graciously changing our attitude.
Remnants of pre-dementia personality may persist, but lack of inhibition may allow some previously suppressed aspects of the personality to present themselves with startling results.
Committed Christians may experience a sense of the absence of God as the ability to feel anything at all recedes.
Even the most habitually grateful individuals may become apathetic toward their caregivers, never acknowledging the sacrifice the loved one is making. Caregivers for dementia patients face daily challenges and deal with their loved ones’ meltdowns, agitated behavior, sleep disturbance, endless messes, and this is exacerbated by their resulting loss of contact with the outside world. This amazing statistic is both startling and motivating to the Body of Christ to be offering assistance: “Thirty percent of caregivers die before the patient for whom they are responsible.” (Loc 1027
One way to connect with those who have dementia is to repeatedly tell them the stories of their life, emphasizing God’s part in bringing them to Himself and reminding them of our love for them. One of the greatest ways of communicating love to someone with memory loss is the gift of presence.
The church plays an important role in providing for the spiritual needs of dementia patients and their caregivers, but also in teaching what it means to be fully human, educating believers in an adequate theology of suffering, establishing believers in spiritual disciplines that will sustain them through hard times, and developing a culture that values serving and caring for “the least of these.”
Dr. Dunlop addresses end-of-life issues with answers to questions about appropriate medical care, the process of dying, and whether or not it is appropriate to limit life-prolonging care. His answers come from a biblical perspective coupled with a respect for both the sovereignty of God and the value of life. His position on end-of-life care for those suffering from dementia could be summarized in this way: “Comfort is more important than length of life.” (Loc 2377)
Inside Dementia

After a certain point, it is impossible for a patient suffering from dementia to report his feelings from within the disease, but Dr. Dunlop shares empathetic insights he has gained from his work. Dementia is constricting. Suddenly words do not work as effective tools for communication. It is not clear where the bathroom in one’s own house can be found. Life becomes small and boring as abilities and hobbies become unmanageable. People act embarrassed by the new you, so it’s easier just to withdraw. Everything is unfamiliar and, therefore, threatening. Frustration becomes a way of life.

J.I. Packer shares words that are applicable to both the dementia patient and the caregiver:

“The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away.”
(Loc 1173)
I recently attended the funeral of a friend I’ve known for most of my life, but the beautiful memorial service was not the good bye. My friend had been slipping away from us into the fog of dementia for years, leaving us all feeling as if we had not had the opportunity to say a proper good bye. Even so, as we gathered, we remembered her as she had been, and we honored her as we thanked God together for the gift of her life, for the fortitude of her caregiver, and for the truth that our value to God is not tied up in how well we perform or how much we contribute.

By embracing biblical values, respecting the dignity of those with dementia, gathering around the caregiver as brothers and sisters, and placing our ultimate hope in Christ, we grow, God is glorified, and we are reminded in one more way that our eternal home is not to be found here on this planet where “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us,” (Romans 8:18).

//

This book was provided by Crossway in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend gave me this book after my mom went into a nursing home and was eventually diagnosed with dementia. It's been very helpful to read. For one, as you're going through something as traumatic as caring for a loved one with dementia, it's good to spend time listening to someone who can talk about everything with sympathy but without emotion. It's helped me settle in to the idea that this is gonna be my life for a while and it's gonna be ok.

I really enjoyed the chapter on care giving. I'd never considered myself a care giver, since my mom's in a nursing home. But, we've still had plenty to do with the medicaid application, emptying and selling her house, handling bills and doctor's appointments. And it's nice to have it acknowledged that all of that is really hard. And the fact that it's made my tired and cranky and sad isn't an indication that there's something wrong with me. All stuff I probably knew deep down, but it's so affirming to hear from a medical professional.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Anyone facing death (so…all of us) should read this, even if dementia isn’t a concern. One of the most hope-filled and Christ centered books about dying I’ve read yet. His short prayers at the end of each chapter brought me to tears each time.

[Taryn Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Practical, informative, and also encouraging.

[Elena Melling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had known about books like this one or had read anything on Alzheimer's when my mom was first diagnosed. I recommend this book for Christians facing this diagnosis or of a loved one. Honestly up until I read this book I frequently referred to dementia as a curse. I have always seen what God has been able to accomplish through it for my moms sake, but for the rest of us it felt like demonic attack. I think the author has changed my mind about t in that regard and that makes it a pretty good book.

Also a quick read.

Caregivers rarely have any time to themselves. Being in the sandwich generation, raising 5 young boys and caring for my own mom I felt I would never have a moments rest let alone time to read. Ultimately she had to move to assisted living as her care needs exceeded my capabilities and that has allowed me to slowly shift my focus back to my own family.

Aside from the preborn victims of abortion and foster children, I believe caregivers to be the third most neglected population by the Church. People assume you'll know what help you need or that it's your job and you've got it covered. It's very lonely and misunderstood. As the author prays, I hope the church will arise and begin to serve these populations according to James 1:27.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. When someone is diagnosed with dementia it not only impacts the person who has been diagnosed but it impacts those around them in profound ways. Dunlop shows us how we can glorify and honor God and honor those with dementia.. we show love to them by giving them dignity by cherishing them as the person they are right now in the moment.. All human beings are made in the image of God and we should love and honor them.
As caregivers we can rejoice in our sufferings ( Romans 5:3-5)
“ I’f we should hope for the dementia to be cured and for a return to a comfortable life, we will likely be disappointed. Instead we should hope that God will accomplish his purpose through the dementia and that he will be honored” - John Dunlop
God is sovereign and our hope is in Him not our circumstances!
Enter their world and help them find meaning.
The Gift of being present with them is possibly the best way you can be there for them. They might not remember you came by to visit an hour later but they know you are there in the present. They might forget that you called them yesterday but if you call them today you have entered into their world. Be Present. Don’t forget about them

[Lisa Matheny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this in one day. This book is a MUST READ for anyone faced with a dementia diagnoses or for caregivers of dementia sufferers.

So many excellent, God-glorifying pieces of not just information, but understanding and empathy. This brother truly understands the world of dementia, both as a physician and as the son and son in law of dementia patients. I truly have longed for a book with a Biblical, life-affirming worldview since my father in law (who moved in 3 months ago)was diagnosed with vascular dementia just this month. I laughed, I cried, I prayed and will continue to thank and praise God for Dr. (and my brother in Christ) Dunlop's plain-spoken and sensitive writing.

FYI, this book was loaned to me by a Godly sister whom I respect and love like a mother. She asked that I return it so that others in our fellowship caring for dementia patients may read it.

Sorry, Anita, I'm keeping this one. I'll pick up a new, non dog-eared, non tear-stained copy for you tomorrow.

[Cole Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a lot of information on dementia as a disease, what it is like to experience dementia, how to care for people with dementia, how to care for yourself if you are a caregiver, and what to do when people with dementia come to the end of their life. It was very practical and informative. It is founded in Biblical principles and focuses on the fact that people derive their personhood and value intrinsically because they are created in the image of God and discusses how to honor people with dementia with this in mind. If you or someone you know has dementia, this is definitely a helpful read.

[Mariah Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of books about caretaking, and this one has been the most helpful and encouraging of the lot: practical advise about dementia (prescriptions that help, how to ask for support, where to seek it, and end of life planning), but also gospel encouragement to walk this road with something that looks like grace.

Even if dementia isn’t a part of your loved one’s journey, it would still be worth the read simply for the encouragement the author gives for the caretaker, as it applies to all caretakers.

[Pam Jenness · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading for every family member affected by this horrible disease. This is hard subject matter, yet the author offers hope and help to honor both the patient and the Lord through the stages of dementia. Scripture permeates the page.

[Carl Herriott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend to anyone who knows someone with Dementia, knows a friend with a family member that has dementia, or is a part of a church.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good manual by a geriatrician whose parents had dementia. Full of encouragement and practical help. All of it in the context of protecting the dignity of and showing respect to the patient. Dunlop is very careful to explain what dignity looks like from a biblical perspective.

Let's say you are in an awkward situation that requires an explanation to an outside person of your companion's behavior stemming from dementia. He recommends you don't use the word demented or Alzheimer's but explain that this gentleman suffers from memory issues.

Dunlop ends with a letter he has written to his family to outline his wishes if he is diagnosed with dementia.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

So spot on..."love one another as I have loved you."

[Kristin Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

really encouraging and a must read for anyone dealing with a loved one with dementia or even as you near those years.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My sweet, loveable, Christ-following dad was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's last fall. This book has opened my eyes to some of the thoughts/feelings victims of this disease may face, as well as caregivers. I love how the author stresses inherent dignity all humans have as image bearers. I recommended this book to my family and believe it is a good read. To anyone affected by this disease, I pray you would be filled by God's peace in your moments of dispare.

[Logan Almy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in order to learn how to minister to congregants suffering from dementia. I found it to be helpful in processing the scientific, biblical, and practical issues. Each chapter ends with prayer, enhancing the personal, devotional tone evident throughout. At the end, Dr. Dunlop includes a letter written to his family about the way he would like to be treated should he suffer from dementia in the future. If you are looking for a good treatment of this subject from a Christian perspective, this is a good place to start.

[Jeremiah Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book written by a brother dealing with love one suffering from the dreadful disease dementia. A must read for care giver. Sharing from his personal experience, the issue is dealt with in sensitivity and care. Many wise advice were given. By the grace of God, this book is written. May thoses taking care of their beloved find grace in their journey.

[Rachel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for caregivers or people who have dementia. I was particularly encouraged by his focus on how God uses dementia to sanctify those affected. While part of the curse, dementia can be used by God for our good and His glory - this book offers hope for those confronted with the fear of this dreadful disease. I would highly recommend this book!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A community formed by the gospel has the potential to transform Alzheimer's care. Perhaps that is one way in which the church as the body of Christ can actually be the fullness of God.

With more and more people living with Dementia, how can we take steps to live out the gospel for the patient and the caregiver. You don't have to know someone who is suffering from dementia to pick up this important text because it is for all Christians.

What makes this text so special is that it starts with us being the image of God. How do we view others. Even in the church without even leaders realizing it, minimizes others when they are concerned (which is not a bad thing) about what the body is capable of doing. How they can serve and influence others for the gospel and the growth of the church. How can we apply the gospel to those that can't serve. We put so much value in what people can do and not who they are-created in the image of God. When we truly understand that and live that, we can have hope and more importantly give hope. The question becomes how can we honor God in the midst of dementia has a care giver and patient?

The author is a doctor and care giver himself gives sound and clear help how we as a community can come along aside families of dementia. With 13 chapters that can give direction and hope.

God & Dementia
What Should We Know about Dementia
What about Diagnosis
Can Dementia be prevented or treated
How does it feel to have dementia
The experience of caregiving
Help for caregivers
How can we honor God through dementia?
Respect the Dignity of those with Dementia
Meet the Needs of those with dementia
What should the Church do?
Grow through the experience of Dementia
End of Life issues.

God uses dementia for kingdom purposes for both the caregiver and the patient. I know first hand as my own mother in law suffered under dementia. It was a way for her family to serve her after so many years of serving us. I wish she never had that disease however, I believe God had purpose in it. This book will open your eyes to that purpose.

A Special Thank You to Crossway Books and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

We humans are really not that much different from one another. I have found that many of us have a huge concern about the potential that later in life we may develop dementia or another of the true brain disabling diseases. It truly is a commonly dreaded issue. Not only that, but as the baby boomer generation is now moving through the "elderly" realm, many families now face a growing concern for family members who are beginning to forget things. This excellent book provides some much needed insight into the realm of dementia, providing as well, some much needed counsel for people who are beginning to struggle with dementia and/0r family members who are wanting to help a loved one deal with it.

Dr. John Dunlop has provided an excellent resource for the church. In the book, Dunlop begins by explaining the connection between dementia and the existence of God and our belief in Him. He takes a section of chapters to cover topics such as: 1) What you should know about dementia;
2) What about the dignosis of dementia?; 3) Can dementia be prevented or treated?; and 4) How does it feel to have dementia?

Dunlop then turns the discussion to writing about the caregiving of one who has dementia. This was excellent material. One issue he addresses is help for caregivers, given that it is a hard and exhausting role to play in a person's life.

In chapters 8-9, Dunlop provides some excellent counsel related to how one can honor God through dementia and how people can respect the dignity of one who is so diagnosed. In line with these, the author then talks about meeting the needs of those with dementia, the role the church can and should play in helping one with dementia, how one can grow through the experience of dementia, and ends his book by addressing "End-of-Life" issues.

Last, Dunlop provides an appendix that includes a letter he has written to his family which gives directives for how he wants to be treated if, in the future, he were to battle dementia or one of the other diseases that are in that same family of diagnoses.

I think this is a tremendous book, loaded with excellent counsel, Biblical input and hope, and one that many could find very helpful in the days ahead. I appreciated so much his biblical evaluation of this subject, the humility, kindness, and gentleness in which he approaches addressing the issue of dementia and subsequent struggles that accompany dementia.

[Cyndi Beane-Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Care Manager (nurse/social worker), I see dementia in the elderly every single day, from one degree to another. It is a heart breaking, heart wrenching disease. It steals the mind, and eventually, the body, of those we want to care for the most. It is hardest on those who must care for these individuals. Their family.

Imagine walking up to your mother, or your father, and having them look you in the eye and saying "Who are you?" It happens all the time. It begins with little things: misplacing the car keys, forgetting where you laid something down, to losing your way when driving to a familiar place, to forgetting your very own identity. It comes like a thief in the night. And it steals your mind. Slowly your body begins to deteriorate as well. Until eventually, the you, well the you that once was, is gone completely.

Dunlop tells the story of how to face this horrible disease process with grace. Using Biblical principles, he tells us how to face each day with someone we love who has been diagnosed. The hardest part of having a family member with dementia is in finding the light heartedness needed to survive with grace. Faith is the key. And Dunlop reminds us of how we can keep our faith in God, and allow Him to take control during these dark times.

A well written book, I was in tears one minute and smiling the next, as I was taken on a roller coaster ride through my own memories of caring for people with dementia.

A book that is a must read for anyone with a family member, friend, colleague, or client who is suffering from dementia.

I give this book five stars,


and a big thumbs up!

You can find this book on Amazon.com Paperback is $12.41, ebook is $11.79, and audio CD is $19.98.

[Georgia Herod · Rating 5 out of 5]

In recent months, long time friends have shared that their spouses are experiencing the onset of dementia. As a result, the title of this book grabbed my attention. The image fits the content--the dear woman is seeing/living life through a haze--everything is out of sync.

In light of the numbers of men and women who are facing this bizarre malady, I needed to know and understand what dementia is and how it affects all those around them, especially caregivers.

How should Christians respond as they watch those with dementia lose independence, personality, and abilities that once defined them, knowing there is no cure? John Dunlop. experienced geriatrician and devout Christian, "wants to transform the way we view dementia--showing us how God can be honored through such a tragedy as we respect the inherent dignity of all humans made in the the image of God. Sharing stories from his years of working with dementia patients, he provides a Biblical lens through which to understand the experience and challenge of this life-altering condition. This book helps us see the purposes of God as we love and care for those with this disease."

At the end of each chapter, Dunlop includes a prayer addressing the specific subject matter in the reading. Every person who has someone with dementia in their lives needs to read this book.