Changes in patients’ religiosity related to dementia

Abstract

Dementia is characterized by the presence of progressive cognitive and behavioral symptoms which affect normal functioning. With the purpose of determining if there are any changes related to patients’ religiosity due to dementia, we developed a questionnaire aiming to evaluate changes pre and post diagnostic. In effect, we observed that patients with dementia might experience a reduction of the importance given to religion and its associated practices with the disease progression. However, God’s belief did not show any changes despite the diagnosis. Therefore, we point out the relevance of incorporating religiosity as another aspect to take into account in the cognitive rehabilitation treatments.