Why life with dementia can be fulfilling and positive

I was recently asked if I would take part in an ITV West news item on ‘Why life with dementia can be fulfilling and positive’. It was due to be just 2 min long item but ended up as an 8 min feature . Perhaps they were surprised to find that it was possible to live positively and still be able to do something worthwhile to help others when living with a diagnosis of dementia.

I am sure supporting, encouraging, and helping others also helps to keep us well. There is scientific evidence that remaining socially engaged is important, preferably with laughter and joy and activities to stimulate our brain - hence my Japanese Memory Groups which were shown on the program are very popular and definitely make a difference in the community where I live

The program also promoted my book Dementia from the Inside: A Doctor's Personal Journey of Faith which tells my story. It also tells all the principles I have learnt and their reasons to help enable those of us living with dementia to live more positive and fulfilled lives.

It is known that the spiritual never dies. My father had dementia and he could still pray even when he did not know who I was. I visit many with more advanced dementia in our special care facility in the dementia inclusive village where I live. So often it is the familiar scriptures and seeing certain pictures that remind them of their spiritual or church roots that brings them peace. One lady who has recently died could at times only be settled by hearing words of scripture and being reminded of God’s constant faithfulness in her uncertain world. Another gentleman could be calmed by being reminded that scripture says we are complete in God’s eyes. Another who constantly mumbles that she cannot remember anything anymore can change and sit upright and smile when reminded she can remember God loves her.

We need to be constantly reminded that God never changes and he loves us, accepts us, and provides daily inner resources to face whatever life in this broken world holds for us. We choose how we react to these challenges and I am challenged as I listen to the Bible each day… as I can no longer easily read it …that Jesus on the way to his death although given a task he could no longer fulfil… the order to carry his cross… he still looked out for others .. those around him ..the women of Jerusalem those who ill treated him and ensured provision was made for his mother when death was near.

He has been there and he has shown us how we can live positively, and in ways helpful to others, even until the end, even when we are so aware that there is so much we can no longer do.

After resigning as a GP, Jennifer Bute resolved to explore what could be done to slow the progress of dementia. The aim of this practical book is to help people who are living with dementia and to give hope to those who are with them on the dementia journey.

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