Signs of Early Onset Dementia: 5 Bible Verses to Cling to

April 30th, 2024|Aging and Geriatric Issues, Featured, Individual Counseling|

It is quite frightening when you start to notice signs of early-onset dementia in yourself or a loved one. This incurable disease, which is caused by a variety of different conditions, causes a slow and disturbing cognitive decline, ending in death approximately eight years after symptoms appear. Although, the time frame varies between individuals and can be as long as twenty years. While this disease is tragic across the board, it is perhaps even more so for individuals who develop symptoms before the age of sixty-five. This is known as early-onset dementia and, while rare, changes can even begin in a person’s thirties, forties, or fifties. After having gained a clear diagnosis and a customized treatment plan, including medication and occupational therapies to assist with aiding one’s memory, it is important to focus on keeping oneself emotionally strong. For Christians, while the dying process is frightening, death is not something to fear as it means being with God. People with signs of early-onset dementia can find great encouragement in these five Bible verses: My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart. He is my mine forever. – Psalm 73:26, NLT Meditating on this verse is helpful as it reminds us that everyone’s physical health will decline at some stage, but it is the strength that God gives to one’s heart that remains and that counts eternally. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. – Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT Experiencing signs of early-onset dementia can be a scary experience, fraught with “what ifs.” This verse from Deuteronomy is as relevant to us today as it was to the Israelites when [...]