In many churches, dementia is not talked about or confronted, which serves to increase the fear and stigma that surround it. We will address this issue through the lens of science, theology, and spirituality. By raising awareness and insight among the faithful, we can enable them to better cope and advocate if they or a loved one suffers from dementia. We can improve spiritual care of people with dementia and their families and help the Church as a whole embrace those living with the disease and their families.

Dorothy Linthicum is an instructor and program coordinator for the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary. In addition to classes about ministries with older people she teaches at the seminary, she has led workshops and retreats throughout the country about older adult spirituality and ministry. The Catechetical Leader, published by the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, will include an article about faith formation for older adults written by Linthicum for fall 2017. In June, she co-presented a poster at the 7th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality in Chicago about “Using Science, Theology and Spirituality to Transform Attitudes about Dementia in the Church.”

This webinar was originally broadcast on October 3, 2017.