Songs of Praise

Faith and Dementia (2024x19)

Air date: May 12, 2024

For Dementia Action Week, Rev Canon Kate Bottley explores what part faith can play for people facing the profound challenges presented by dementia. Kate is in the congregation for an accessible service of worship in Lichfield Cathedral, joining Christians living with dementia and those who care for them. Kate meets Tony, who has lived with a diagnosis for ten years, and his wife Viv, ahead of a reading they have been invited to give at the service. Also at the service is legendary singer Tony Christie, who was diagnosed in 2021 and is now an ambassador for one of the dementia charities supporting the service. At his home in Lichfield, Tony tells Kate about his journey with dementia and the power of music and faith to help those living with the condition. And in Sheffield, we celebrate the success of a dementia support group designed for people with African and Caribbean heritages.