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Dementia is a disease of a brain non-functioning, nothing to do with being a Christian, so your post is a bit confusing to me.

If he hits you something needs to be done, there are meds that can help him.

There are many church run facilities for those with dementia, he will be among his peers, safe and cared for. One does not need a front roll seat to care for another.
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Reply to MeDolly
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Hi. I read the other responses and they offer some great advice and encouragement. My Mom is a retired Pastor with Parkinson's and Parkinson's Dementia. Some moments are good and others are really hard to deal with. I used to say some days but now I have to take everything moment by moment. When Mom is herself, I take it in and treasure it. Sometimes I take pictures too. When dementia is affecting her and she is not herself, I deal with it the best I can and sometimes that may mean walking away to not get so overwhelmed and stressed. I wonder sometimes too why she has to go through this but resolve to keep going and hanging in there with her because she would do the same for me and she has over the years when I was sick and in the hospital myself. It's hard. Just want to say that I hear you and you're not alone. We're in the same boat riding this wave of illness together. Sometimes it even feels like I'm on a rollercoaster I never ask to get on. And believe me, I do not like rides! I go to the fair for the food! So I'm riding this wave and rollercoaster with you. Hang on and hang in there. You're not alone.
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Reply to CareBear29
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Dementia is BRAIN DEATH. It's like having a sudden brain injury that causes personality changes....the brain sections die.
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Reply to Cashew
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If your Dad hits you, you need to tell his doctor and I hope its a Neurologist. There are medications. Your Dad could have frontal lobe Dementia. It affects his emotions that is why the personality change. They can become very aggressive. He could hurt you, they become very strong. If medication does not help, you need to consider placing him.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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You posted this under dementia and Alzheimer's.
The way you understand all this is to educate yourself on these conditions.
You will then understand that this isn't your father speaking, but the disease which is robbing him of who he is.

I am so sorry for the pain.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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I’m learning so much about t
he disease and t
he process. What’s harder to understand and process is I know what scripture says about believers. Dad was a pastor and led us to the LORD. Was kind and loving. I do believe God does not hold against him the actions because of the disease but the sealing of, being a comforter, and walking with us/them through darkness-this is dad’s spirit already in the presence of the LORD and this is just a shell. I know it’s the disease and I do try to separate the two but I am struggling with being getting angry with him when he cusses or hits me when I’m being kind or trying to serve or dress him. He will be kind to a stranger or doctor or hired caregivers so it seems like he does have some control when he seemingly is cruel to his two sons and not his two daughters. Thanks for just letting me get this out of my head for the moment.
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notgoodenough Jun 30, 2025
Have you reported to his doctor he is becoming physically abusive to you? If not, you are doing both yourself AND him a disservice.

There are medications he can be placed on to lessen his agitation. To make him calmer and less anxiety-ridden.

His doctor should be made aware of his behavior ASAP.
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I'm sorry you're going through this. I can't explain this disease. My mother had vascular dementia but was also being treated for Alzheimer's. She was a prayerful woman her entire life, devoting part of each day to prayer. But as the disease progressed, and sometimes in response to her own feelings of helplessness, she lashed out at her children. She was particularly cruel to my sister, who was responsible for most of her care. Now that my husband has Alzheimer's, when things get difficult, my mantra is "It's not him, it's just the disease." Maybe that would help you with your dad. Good luck, and God bless.
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Reply to Quitecontrary
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I’m not religious and this book was written by a rabbi, but it’s all about why would God allow such a terrible thing to happen. In his case, his 3-year-old son got a terrible degenerative disease and only lived about another 10 years. How could suffering and early death be part of God’s plan for a 3-year-old?

Anyway, it’s called When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harald Kushner.

Or you could try Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. He survived imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp.

Or maybe ask your own pastor. When my MIL was dying, the one person she asked to see again (besides family) was her pastor but he had dementia and wouldn’t have remembered who she was.

good luck.
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Ariadnee Jun 30, 2025
Great suggestions. I recommend the 800 number for the Alzheimer's organization. I've called them twice to help me. Both times the person I spoked to helped me a lot. Perhaps they may be able to help the OP.
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I have found this quote to be true in my own journey with my Mom as she suffers from dementia. My Dad taught me how to die and be ready to be with God. My Mom’s journey has made me a better imitation of Christ, although I fought with God for a long time about it.

“It is not by sidestepping or fleeing from suffering that we are healed, but rather by our capacity for accepting it, maturing through it and finding meaning through union with Christ, who suffered with infinite love.”
― Pope Benedict XVI, Saved in Hope: Spe Salvi
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Reply to sparkielyle
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You understand that your dads brain is now permanently broken and he no longer is in control of what he says or does.
And God knows your dads true heart and soul and loves him as much today with his broken brain as He did before he developed dementia.
We as Christians are not meant to understand everything this side of heaven, but we must trust that God is still on His throne and is still in control.
Perhaps educating yourself more about this horrific disease will help you better understand what is going on with your dad, so you won't take things so personally. It certainly can't hurt.
God bless you and keep you as you walk this very difficult journey with your dad.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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Your dad has a disease not of his own doing, and not within his control. The disease alters personality, often in ways that makes a kind, loving person unrecognizably cruel. Believe me, your dad wouldn’t recognize himself and would be embarrassed by his behavior. I used to listen to by dear Christian aunt after her Alzheimer’s advanced and quietly think how embarrassed and shocked she’d be at the things coming from her mouth. It’s no one’s fault, if he lives long, the cruelty may be replaced by silence. Limit your exposure to the cruelty, no one deserves to listen to much of it. Remember the dad you were blessed to have, and practice self care. I wish you both peace
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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He has a disease. I'm very sorry, this must be so upsetting. BUT try to regard it as any other disease. If he had cancer, you'd understand that he can't stop the changes that take place with that disease, such as becoming tired, unable to walk, etc. And cancer causes personality changes too, sometimes.

It's hard not to look through the lens of your religion, but changes in us due to disease have nothing to do with Christianity or any other religion. As my Bible teacher friend used to say, "God makes us and turns us loose. He doesn't bring the bad things upon us."

Your dad can't help who he is now.
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Reply to Fawnby
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Can you clarify your question a bit please?

are you asking as a Christian how you spiritually process with God this cruel turn?

the biological answer, which I’m guessing not your question?, is that Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells, which disrupts communication between different parts of the brain. Depending on which areas of the brain are affected, a person’s personality, mood, and behavior can change significantly. he is has no control over what his brain is doing.
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