You might be wondering, can a person living with dementia still be involved in Bible studies? It is understandable how this question might arise, as someone with dementia will have problems with memory loss, language, and communication, to name a few. It may seem like an impossible feat to some, but studying the Bible has numerous benefits that can contribute to your loved one having a happier and more fulfilling life. Having dementia may be a challenge for your loved one, but that does not mean that they are unable to participate in a simple Bible study. Let’s take a look at how studying the Bible helps with dementia.
Sense of Purpose
For many people with dementia, their days can be filled with loneliness and a loss of purpose. They may often feel misunderstood and frustrated because communication is a challenge for them. Caregivers may also find that your loved one with dementia may display signs of anger and despair. Studying the Bible can help reduce some of these feelings by giving your loved one a sense of purpose. When you focus on a particular point or passage and help them understand it, they are also able to feel the love and encouragement coming from you.
Cognitive Ability
In patients with dementia, their cognitive ability declines, making it difficult for them to complete basic tasks involving memory, judgment, and language. Studying the Bible helps with your loved one’s cognitive ability. When they go through various topics of discussion regularly, their language ability is preserved. If your loved one is able to read without much difficulty, getting them to read Psalms, for example, may help with focus and stimulate their memory. When you use open-ended questions and prompts, it helps them to try forming answers based on their prior knowledge.
Socialize through Faith
Socializing, such as in a memory care program, helps them to connect with others who share the same interests. It is important to maintain the human connection as someone with dementia may often feel disconnected from the rest of the world, since they are unable to process, understand and communicate as effectively as they used to. Making friends and connecting with one another through faith can help dementia patients lower their stress levels and achieve a more positive outlook on life.
Peace and Comfort
It is important to focus on the Bible’s messages of comfort, love, eternal presence, and forgiveness. For your loved one with dementia, getting constant feelings of peace and comfort helps them feel happier about themselves and have a calm mind. They take comfort in their religious beliefs as it provides them the assurance that they are loved and not alone.
Quality of Life
Studying the Bible can help your loved one improve their physical health and emotional well-being. Most of the time, they may be unable to verbalize or communicate their feelings and thoughts effectively but through studying the Bible, their senses are attuned to their faith and fill them with positivity. When they are healthier and happier, their quality of life is naturally improved.
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