When Memories Begin to Fade
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This coming Sunday, we observe All Saints’ Day, a time when the Church remembers those who have died in Christ this past year. Yet, this day also serves as a reminder that we are all dying in various and numerous ways.
A member recently shared some studies with me regarding dementia and the effects of prayer. The effects of dementia often feel like an early death to the person suffering from the disease as their memory becomes impaired. For those around them, they also experience loss as their loved one struggles, sometimes forgetting key memories of their shared experiences together.
However, the study that was shared with me provided an interesting exercise to delay, or at least slow, the progress of dementia’s silent attempt to rob man of their life, prayer.
A regular, structured prayer life has been shown to slow the progression of dementia by engaging the brain in focus, memory, and language processing. Additionally, praying in a congregational setting connects you with a group of people and reduces isolation. Engaging your faith this way reduces stress, which in turn slows dementia’s progression.
While many of you know people, care for family members, or are experiencing aspects of dementia today, know that this disease cannot rob you or a loved one of who you or they are in Christ. Also, whether you are experiencing dementia or someone you care about is, always remember to exercise your faith, pray, and come to the Divine Service regularly, for it’s both medicine for your mind and body and for your soul as we die to this life and look to the life to come.
In Christ,
Pastor Rogness
