Alzheimer's: Spirituality Can Be Comforting

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Alzheimer's: Spirituality Can Be Comforting

(Source: Mayo Clinic) - Alzheimer's steals memories, but lifelong

religious rituals often remain intact. Use them to comfort and

connect with your loved one.

For someone with Alzheimer's, spirituality, faith and religious

practices can be important for overall well-being. As the disease

progresses, recent events may be forgotten, but songs and prayers

from childhood often stay firmly rooted in their long-term memory.

Pleasure and satisfaction is often gained by joining your loved one

in reciting prayers and singing favorite hymns that have been an

importnat part of their lives.

If you're a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's disease, helping

your loved one continue to observe his or her faith can be beneficial

and rewarding for both of you.

Go to full story:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00024

(PS - this was so true w/ my mom - she knew her prayers word for word

and it gave her comfort to be able to continue w/ her prayers and

church services...)