The Alzheimer's Patient and Salvation-Leading the Lost to Christ
74
“Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one form of dementia that gradually gets worse over time. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Memory impairment, as well as problems with language, decision-making ability, judgment, and personality, are necessary features for the diagnosis.” www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
God is Love
Alzheimer’s and other dementias affect the brain, slowly eroding away the mind and personality. This insidious disease destroys lives, turning a vital person into a helpless dependent until the brain and body eventually shut down causing death. There is no cure, no reversal of mental function.
The afflicted patient turns inward due to a slow shutdown of the brain and therefore the body, over time losing the ability to recognize loved ones or even to care for basic bodily functions. Sentences become disjointed as words flee; the familiar can become frightening as mental responders drop the ball and memories are no longer reachable.
The day comes when the afflicted person seldom speaks and loses the ability to put sentences together, the words are gibberish and unintelligible. The patients sometimes have fleeting moments of understanding and know just enough to realize something is very wrong. Sometimes they are agitated and no one knows the reason why they are uneasy. Many times the patient may not be at a spiritual place of peace and this causes the upset while the caregiver is left wondering about a loved one’s salvation.
How should we approach the subject of the soul with people who suffer with Alzheimer’s and Dementia? First of all, they must be treated with honor and respect due them as a human being, an elder, and a son or daughter of God. They are not children and should never be patronized or treated as less than an adult. They have lived lives rich with experiences; loved, raised children, held jobs and were adults with spiritual accountability.
The Alzheimer’s patient becomes more and more confined to a chair or bed as the ability to walk leaves them. This is a perfect example to remember the Scripture in Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Once the connection between God and that person is made, the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to rain down and fill them with comfort, grace and peace is opened. The hours, days, weeks and months spent sitting quietly allows the Alzheimer’s patient time to commune with God in a way most of us will never know. They CAN choose and experience God in, and even because of these circumstances.
This recently happened to me when I was asked to spend a short amount of time with a client who is in the end stages of Alzheimer’s. She cannot carry on a conversation but sometimes blurts random words out or stutters trying to pull a word from the recesses of a mind that no longer supports her. Near the end of my visit, she awoke from a nap and I held her hand gently for a moment telling her I would be leaving soon. Mrs. F clutched me and desperately muttered “Scared, so scared.”
Mrs. F is tiny, only weighing about 80 pounds and my heart just ached to know she was feeling lost and frightened. I hugged her and wondered where the fear was coming from. She was in a familiar environment which may have been foreign to her when she awoke from her nap. It seemed to be more though and I prayed for insight and understanding. Instantly I knew she was communicating her spiritual unease and uncertainty.
Her fear was because she was uncertain what would happen after she died. She was not a Christian and her spirit was seeking confirmation of the future. But how could I, a person without education or experience with Alzheimer’s patients communicate with her?
I quickly prayed for guidance and it came swiftly, like a refreshing breeze on a hot day. So I told her to allow God’s Holy Spirit to guide her. While her mind was unable to grasp the concept of salvation, her spirit is keenly aware and cognizant. It can carry God’s image undiluted and well understood. “Just feel the Holy Spirit, let Him guide you,” I told her. I repeated it several times and she gazed into my eyes and calmed right down. For a precious split second, I saw clarity in her beautiful green eyes and then she was gone again.
However she and I bonded together as Sisters in Christ and I know I shall see her again one day. Had I not been obedient and spoken out for God and for Mrs. F, she might have died and never known the bliss of Heaven. The opposite of Heaven is Hell and no one should end up there. One’s first protective instinct is to say the Alzheimer’s patient is no accountable because of mental incapacity. That is true but he or she had opportunity to accept Christ before the disease took over their mind. So they, like all of us, have had a choice to make and the consequences remain.
Another way to reach the Alzheimer’s patient spiritually is through praise and worship music. It opens a spiritual path to the throne of God and allows one to "speak” as if in prayer. Praise is a form of prayer and many people who cannot talk sometimes retain the ability to sing. Through music the Holy Spirit can reach through the fog of a webbed mind and heal an aching spirit, bringing the person into the arms of God.
Another way is too quietly and simply read Scriptures about Christ and exactly who He is to us. A recommendation is the Book of John. It contains verses such as, "Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
No matter the state of the body, in a spiritual sense the afflicted person is alive and present. As concerned and loving Christians, we must not fail to shine the light of Christ and to bring the “good news of the gospel” to them. The power of God is bigger than any disease on earth and He never gives up on anyone. Let us not give up either.
Memory by Barbra Streisand
Bible Scriptures About the Elderly
-
Psalms 71:18"Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
-
Leviticus 19:32 "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord."
-
1 Chronicles 29:28 "a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour"
-
Proverbs 23:22 "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old."
-
Job 12:12 "With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding."
-
"Psalms 71:9 "Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
-
Psalms 71:18 "Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."
-
Psalms 92:14 "They shall still bring forth fruit in old age ..."
-
"Proverbs 16:31 "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness."
- I Samuel 46:4 "And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you... even I will carry, and will deliver you."
© All Rights Reserved
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (6)
- Funny
- Awesome (12)
- Beautiful (10)
- Interesting (7)
CommentsLoading...
Hi Kelly. Thank you for letting me know you found this insightful and beautiful. Your willingness to pray with a patient is love at its purest. I can see how it would help your own spiritual growth. I know my experience with Mrs. F did mine. Thank you and bless you.
I had never thought of this question. Now that you have me thinking about it, I thought first of the accountability. Then my mind went to 'no, they had a life before the problem, so it would go to where they were when their mind went.' Now, I am seeing that they do have cognizant moments. Which would give them moments to make their decision. I will pray for them.
I am not in contact with any at the moment, unless you want to count my husband in there. He is losing things. He gets lost when he goes places sometimes. We don't let him go alone anymore. He will stop, look around and have no idea where he is and sometimes, who he is. They are saying it is not Alzheimer's but they don't know what it is.
Hyph this hub didn't show up on the e-mail for some reason. An aunt is going through the Alzheimers and a pain patch she was supposed to put on the uncles back fell off cause she didn't stick it on good. In a couple of days he started going through bad withdrawals but didn't know what was happening and thought he was going crazy. He felt like committing suicide it was so horrible. It got figured out by his daughter in time though. My heart goes out to Mrs. F too Hyph, thank God there are people like you in the world.
Hello Hyphenbird,
I am so familiar with Alzheimer's disease. I have known and loved quite a few who have had it or some form of dementia. I am no expert, but having taken care of an Alzheimer patient for about ten years, I can say with certainty that I know there are things going on in their minds that we cannot understand and that Science can't yet understand. It is almost as if they know that they are speaking gibberish. I believe that they are able to understand and I completely agree that exposing a patient to hymns and the word of God does benefit them immensely. Their spirits raise almost immediately and if they are agitated they calm down. If they are weepy they begin to smile and you can see a light glow in their eyes.
The elderly are very dear to me on a whole because I see so many people who just cannot be bothered with them and think them a burden. I think this is so sad because they do deserve respect and honor just as everyone else does.
Lovely hub!
Hyphen what a tremendous task you undertake to teach us the many ways to be helpful to people. What an example you serve for all those who know you.
Great hub to help these poor people. Voted up and awesome, my good hearted friend.
Hi Becky. We all have opportunity to accept Christ. The Holy Spirit knows how to touch a mind that cannot communicate in words. Your husband can be comforted in many ways. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's is hard to get for some reason. I hope his condition improves and that you all receive the joy you deserve.
Hi there Alastar. I hate this terrible disease; it truly is straight from Satan the devil to torment people. I hope this article inspires people to know how we can all help and bring comfort through Christ to the ones suffering. Thank you friend.
Hello North Wind. I agree that the patient knows they are not making sense with words. When I was with Mrs. F, I could see it in her eyes. Here in America, we dishonor our elderly terribly. I know not every family can keep the person at home, but many more never even try. Now I know how to comfort and evangelize when I meet a person suffering with dementia. I thank God so much for opening my eyes and heart and for using me in this manner. Thank you for reading and commenting on my Hub.
Thank you mckbirdbks. I know this article is important because after I published it, a tornado hit the area. Satan is mad apparently. But we were not injured. God had us in His arms.
Thank you writer20. Everyone can know peace through Christ and I want them to feel what I feel.
Dear Hyph,
This piece moved me to tears as it shows what you give of yourself, as do so many of the nurses I teach. I would love to share this with them in a new Holistic class I just started.
Just last class we were discussing 'healing vs curing'.
Your words show that we can 'heal' by sharing our faith, our belief, no matter what disease process/ outcome. You are a blessing in so many ways and your work with Mrs F is an amazing case example.
Voted UP & UABI. Love, Maria
Beautiful story Hyphen , it's always great to know that you can easily put the Most High God first in every situation. As you quoted here .
I am now listening to one of my Brooklyn born favorite , that seems you also adore.
Great writing , great story.
Bless.
Hello Hyphenbird, I have a friend who provides home care for elderly people, where onset and full blown dementia are very often part of the scenerio. She has been wanting to go study in England where a new approach to care is being developed called 'Contented Dementia'. Interesting how the spiritual side can soothe the loss of so much else in ones fragile elderly years. Regards, Snakeslane
Hyphen: This hub reminded me of a visit I had with my Mom who is now 88 and lives in a nursing home suffering from alzheimers.
I wear a "TRIUNE CRUCIFIX" which depicts Father, Son, and Holy spirit on the front and the "Ten Commandments" at the bottom. It was a gift 20 something years ago from my wife who brought it home for me from the Philippines.
I went to visit Mom this one day during last summer. As I entered the room where she was mom took one look at me wearing my bright shiny Triune Crucifix and started screaming in fear. She kept screaming take it off, take it off, and pointed at he crucifix. Mom had seen this same crucifix thousands of times before but this time it upset her for some reason.
I grabbed it and held it up for her to see it clearly and told her Momma it is Jesus. Momma it is Jesus. The name of Jesus by itself calmed her down and she settled down into a nice visit.
H-- this was insightful.. I could feel a connection just by reading these words.. it tugs at my heart.. my Grand Aunt.. battled this inflcition.. she use to invite us to dinner..put out plates and then collect the plates and wash them without even serving food.. I see her wasting away and forgetting everything slowly.. a wonderful Hub.. eyes open :)
This hub is absolutley awesome. Praise God that He has people like you that love and help people in these conditions...God is so good...I pray blessing on you...debbie
Hyphen, This is a beautiful hub so full of truth and wisdom. I helped take care of many Alzheimer patients in my nursing experience. It is the most dreaded disease among the elderly. I remember one man in particular, he had been a physicist before this disease struck. He had a tweed jacket that he brought to the nurses station, laying it on my desk, then tracing the lines in the jacket, attempting to explain the physics of the lines. It was so sad to watch. He would get very upset. One day he told us that he was not going to eat anymore, ( He was ambulatory, in fact he could move much faster than the nursing assistants when he was attempting to run away.) He never ate another bite of food. He was fed via IV, and died in about two weeks.There's many lessons to learn from your hub. The most important being God of course, but your mention of this struck me as being the second most important aspect of care, no patronizing, treating them as adults, they are not children, nor are the elderly..Thank you for writing a wonderful hub...
Hi there marcoujor and thank you very much. So many people are in pain and need the precious comfort of God and I am so enlightened about this way to help them. Please feel free to share this in your class. It would be my honor and pleasure to pass this on to others. Bless you for your loving heart.
Hello sky. He must be first in everything as He made everything. I love Him so much. And yes I adore Ms. Streisand. This song was perfect for the Hub and for her incredible voice. Thanks for coming by.
Hello snakeslane. The spirit recognizes God even when the mind does not. I encourage your friend to participate in the study. I think it would be very beneficial in her helping people. Thanks for reading and your comments.
Dave, I wonder why she was so frightened. The name of Jesus has great power indeed. I am glad it calmed your mother. It sure brings me peace and comfort.
Hi Frank. Your poor sweet Aunt must have suffered so much pain. I am very sorry for that. Dementia is an awful disease. The spiritual connection draws me strongly also. I hope it does for many people.
Thank you Debbie. I remember that God is love and I am made in His image. Therefore I must love or be a false reflection. I refuse to do that. I appreciate your visit and good wishes very much.
Always Exploring, that is one of the saddest things I have ever heard. What a terrible situation for all of you. You are right that this is a dreaded disease. It makes me feel sick to know a person is diagnosed and their fear and decline. I pray this Hub will open some eyes and bring insight in how we can comfort and love them. Thank you for sharing your heart touching story.
Hello Hyphen,
I'm so glad to have been sent your way by Marcoujor or I might have missed this incredible story. The subject is dear to my heart as I try to take care of Mom and her older sister and each day I see Mom's memory fading in small ways. But true to our upbringing, her faith is strong and her belief stays true.
Your story is born of faith, love and compassion and it gives me hope that if that time ever comes I'll know what to do. Bless you for sharing this important lesson.
Peg
A hub which greatly helps those affected with Alzheimer's. Not only will these patients keep themselves involved, but they will experience relief from it. I've given a votes up for such a great contribution. Two Thumbs Up.
Brenda, you have written such an inspirational hub. You have told us about the devastating effects of AD and also added your true empathy for the sufferers. It is sad to watch a loved one deteriorate into a person who is now just a shadow. AD is difficult to deal with for everyone including the nursing profession. As a care worker, a great deal of my time is spent with dementia patients, and I appreciate the pain and suffering that they live with every day, and I pray to God that they can somehow, somewhere find a cure for this debilitating illness. x
Hello PegCole. Your dedication to your family is admirable. These days so many people abandon their loved ones. It is sad and everyone suffers. My hope and prayer is for every person to know the love of Christ and the peace He offers. I cannot understand why people are so adamant against God when He just wants to love us.
Thank you for coming to read this and a big thanks to marcoujor for the referral.
Thank you csheal6249. I am glad this drew you and helped. May the lonely and lost everywhere know blessed restoration and peace.
Hi bluestar. Your love and compassion are apparent. Thank you for those emotions of love. To see a person suffer from dementia is heartbreaking for everyone. To know they are not with Christ is tragic. I am touched that so many people feel the same as I do about this issue. Thank you.
My grandmother has Alzheimer's and can be quite cognizant on some days and others not. She lives in a nursing home where there is little/no dignity.
I am sorry to hear that Flora. My heart aches for her and indeed for all of you who love her. This is a terrible and awful disease.
So sorry Hyph that I only came accross this great read so late.
It is such a great read and you have put your all into it;this shows in every line .
I am sure that this will bring solace to many readers who are going through this hard time now.
I vote up and also bookmark so that I can pass this on to someone I know who is going through this right now.
Thank you so much Hyphenbird ;you are a true gem.
Take care my friend and enjoy the rest of your day.
Eddy.
Hello Eiddwen. Never be concerned about that. I have been so overwhelmed here that I had to clear my inbox and start over so I understand. I sure hope this brings information and comfort to many people. Families have so much to hurt over when a loved one is suffering. They should not have to worry about eternal salvation. I thank God for His guiding me into this knowledge.
Thank you for coming to read this and for bookmarking it.
Very much spot on with what I have found to be true in my own experiences with Alzheimer patients. Hebrews 4:12 always reminds me, as well, that the Word can pierce right through that element of erosive disease, and Holy Spirit can minister to human spirit. In the name of Jesus, we can continue to pray and be ministers of the Gospel. Where there is still breath in a person, there is still hope of salvation in Christ Jesus. And for believers, I have found that of all memories that fade away, Jesus isn't among them. God is everlasting, and He is always with us. I've experienced this, as well, with patients who call on the name of the LORD and who continue to sing hymns. Thank you for blessing me with your article.
thanks for this, Hyphenbird. My grandfather is int he very early stages of Alzheimer and he has been a non religious person for as long as I've known him. Thanks for sharing this perspective!
Dear Brenda,
Such a beautiful hub filled with precious ideas when visiting or taking care of a person with Alzheimer. As a nurse I have worked with many patients along the way. It is amazing the calming effect that takes over when the Lord is near and draws them to him. I am so thankful that you are one of many that love these patients so and reach out recognizing their need for the Lord and a friend.
Love,
Sunnie
You moved me to tears with this Hub. Such a horrible disease that effects so many people. These patients were so fortunate to have someone like yourself to understand them and lead them to the Almighty. I have bookmarked this in order to return and share. I voted this UP, etc. Have a wonderful day, friend.
I got chills and tear filled eyes as I read this. What an awesome topic. Well written and very moving. Thanks for sharing this piece. Shared & Voted Up.
Something else we tend to forget is that with Alzheimer's disease, memory goes backward - but the earliest memories one often has are of religious services, even if childhood Sunday School songs.
LoveChanges, you are so right. The spirit remembers when the brain cannot and the name of Jesus is more powerful than any illness. Thank you for coming to read this Hub.
Hello PDX. I sure pray your grandfather comes to accept and accept Jesus and establishes a personal relationship with Him. Some difficult years are ahead and that close bond with Christ will make them easier. Thank you for letting me know this helped you.
Thank you dear Sunnie. I hope many people find this and draw inspiration and comfort from it. No one should be lost and separated from God.
Hello Mary. Thank you so much. My own heart grows tender when I remember that moment. I pray to be used more and more by God to draw people to Christ. I agree this disease is horrible and from Satan the devil.
Hi Kelly. Thank you for reading this Hub and for the votes. It is an incredibly important issue that affects one's eternal future. Your compassionate heart is noticed and treasured by God.
Tamara, you have a great point there. Thank you for that insight!
In almost every case I am familiar with these mentally challenged elderly people have accepted Christ already in life and are Christians and this illness has robbed them of their senses, but certainly not of their souls.
Hello Jackie. It is wonderful to know many of these suffering people already know Christ. Sadly, many do not. In the case of Mrs. F, she was not a Christian. Thankfully I do believe she is now. You are so right about the soul. It remains intact though the body shuts down and betrays them. Thank you very much for coming by and reading this Hub. Your comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks Hyphen bird. He's always been a little absent minded so this isn't the biggest shock...
This is really an eye opener for me. I have been searching for this subject and I thought that they are no longer accountable for their past which have been erased already. I also thought that if they aren't saved yet, it is already too late for them. I forgot that it is the Holy Spirit that will work.
Hi Grace. Though the mind of the Alzheimer's person is erased physically, the spirit where Christ lives is accountable still. While we are able, we choose our own consequences. Once the disease makes a person do things and commit actions contrary to their character, they are not liable for those. It is never too late for a person to be saved, never. The Holy Spirit works in ways unknown to man to save anyone who desires Christ. The spirit innately longs and is drawn toward the Creator.
I am so glad you found this Hub and took time to read it and comment. Thank you. If I can answer any questions you may have, I will do my best. Thank you again.
Up, awesome, beautiful, and interesting. Wow, such a sad powerful article filled with TRUTH. Very well written Hyp. This terrible disease took both my grandma and grandpa at early ages, well late 60s. Watching them go through this was awful. Knowing God was there gives great peace of mind.
Hello thelyricwriter. I am so sad to hear that about your grandparents. This is such a horrible disease. Indeed knowing a loved one is saved through Christ is an awesome comfort. Thank you for commenting.
Some moving thoughts and some great, Scripture texts. Blessings.
hello there f. I have not seen you in a while. Thanks for coming by and reading this Hub. Many blessings upon you too.
kelleyward Level 7 Commenter 4 months ago
Very beautiful hub! As a nurse I worked with a patient in a nursing home. Although she didn't have dementia or Alzheimer’s I remember feeling lead to pray with her. It was a turning point in my career and also in my own spiritual growth. Thanks for sharing!