Matters of Life and Death Dementia: Listening to bodies and the sacramental ministry of touch
Apr 23, 2025
Jess Wyatt, a Vicar in the Church of England and PhD student at Oxford, dives into the intersection of dementia and faith. She discusses how our physical identity relates to personhood, even as cognitive functions decline. The conversation emphasizes the importance of compassionate care and the role of touch in connecting with loved ones affected by dementia. Jess also challenges traditional views on identity, advocating for a holistic understanding rooted in Christian belief. Ultimately, she calls for inclusivity in faith communities to embrace and support those living with dementia.
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Misconceptions About Dementia
- Common views treat dementia as the disappearance of the self when cognitive abilities decline.
- Christian theology opposes this, emphasizing the body's role in human identity and personhood.
Dementia and Aging Population
- Dementia prevalence is rising due to global aging populations, not higher disease rates.
- Risk increases significantly with age, affecting up to one in three by late 90s.
Body and Self in Philosophy
- Western philosophy often disconnects selfhood from the body, prioritizing mind or consciousness.
- Recent theology challenges this, emphasizing embodied personhood and diverse cultural perspectives.