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

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 they were being instructed to go into the promised land. God is with us. No matter what we go through, he will not fail us or abandon us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. – Romans 8:38-39, NLT

While signs of early-onset dementia, which progress into full-blown dementia, rob a person of so much, it is powerful to reflect on this verse from Romans. It reminds us that nothing – not even cognitive deterioration – can separate us from God’s love. Our soul, bought by Jesus’ blood, remains intact.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect me and comfort me. – Psalm 23:4, NLT

This verse from the well-known Psalm 23 is an excellent one to memorize. People with signs of early-onset dementia can not only aid their memory by learning verses but also experience the strengthening power of scripture through meditating on God’s Word.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT

In the same vein as the first verse, this verse reminds us that our bodies will not serve us for eternity. They are only made to last for this lifetime. Whereas, when we are in heaven, we will take on new, perfect bodies.

Signs of early-onset dementia can be a way to draw close to God, realize our utter dependence on Him, and grow in joy and excitement at what is to come.

Getting help for early-onset dementia

If you or a loved one is facing early-onset dementia, you may benefit from meeting with a trained therapist in Saginaw to walk through the feelings that come with such a diagnosis.

As your family walks through the experience, a trained counselor at Saginaw Christian Counseling will help you all with coping strategies. Call our office today to make an appointment with one of the Christian counselors in our directory. We will be will you as you find strength in the Lord in your journey with dementia.