The Center for Disease Control reported that in 2020, Alzheimer’s Disease was the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. It is the only cause in the top ten that cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured. The same report estimated that dementias cost our nation $305 billion, a figure projected to rise to $1.5 trillion by 2050. Dementia primarily affects older adults, and as mainline denominations are older than the population at large (the median age of the US population is 38.3; the median age of mainline denominations is 52) their congregations are disproportionately affected. As the pastor of a Presbyterian congregation, I will explore what a truly dementia-aware and dementia-friendly church might look like.

For clinical information on dementia I will research the work being doing in places like Houston Methodist Hospital’s “Nantz National Alzheimer Center” and the “Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center." For an exploration into pastoral and theological issues related to dementia, I will survey literature by contemporary Reformed pastors and theologians, such as Trisha Elliott and Donald McKim. Finally, I will visit congregations and communities where dementia patients and care-givers are truly cared for, such as those that participate in “Dementia Friendly America,” a movement launched by the 2015 White House Conference on Aging, not to mention “dementia villages” like Hogeweyk, located in Weesp, Netherlands, and Paese Ritrovato, in Monza, in northern Italy.

I intend to present my findings through publications, seminars, and retreats. I envision worship services incorporating dementia-friendly rubrics, as well as specialized events designed for those with dementia and their care-givers. I intend to enable others to better understand those with dementia and to be more helpful to them and to their care-givers. And I am certain I will provide direct care to those dealing with dementia in its various forms in the congregation and presbytery I serve.