Abstract
This paper hopes to explore models of personhood in relation to dementia, faith, and God. Our current understanding of dementia is dominated by medical science and is defined in terms of loss, absence, and deficits. The result is a dismissal of the ‘self’ of the person with dementia. I hope to propose instead, a model of personhood in relation to the divine that allows for the continuation of the Self in the memory of God. By reimagining how we understand what constitutes the ‘self’, we can also reimagine how we care for and include those with dementia. A theology of dementia also explores the concept of the soul in relation to personhood, and theological views of the ‘soul’, including body-soul dualistic views, physicalist views, trichotomism, and idealism. Building from this, I propose a new way to provide holistic spiritual care to those with dementia with a better understanding of personhood, the soul, and the ‘self’ of the individual.
Presenters
Adrienne NicholsonStudent, Doctorate in Practical Theology, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
Chaplaincy, Dementia, Memory, Faith, Spirituality, Spiritual Care, Self, Soul, Personhood
