Only one issue of Chrism has been a complete sell-out. And that was the Autumn 2002 number on Dementia. That, if nothing else, shows how important the subject has become to people-understandably when one in five of those over eighty are said to suffer from it.

It was also no coincidence that this issue contained an article by Malcolm Goldsmith. For many years now Malcolm has had a special interest in dementia, especially in its relation to spirituality, and for a while was a Research Fellow at Stirling University, working within the Dementia Services Development Centre. So this present book comes out of a long period of sustained thought combined with practical experience. As such it speaks with real authority, which even the diffident and at times hesitant and undogmatic approach of the author, cannot disguise. All in all it is an important as well as a timely book.

The author states at the beginning that the book is designed for church leaders, but also with an eye to carers. But typically he adds: 'If it can offer any words of hope to people with dementia themselves, then I shall be profoundly moved'. Indeed one of the remarkable things about this book is the insight it gives into what the onset of dementia actually means and feels like to the individuals concerned, and for that alone it is of untold value.

Almost half the book is taken up with factual matters, and this also is very valuable as there are many misconceptions about dementia. So there is a section on communicating with people with dementia, with many practical tips and ideas. There is another on some of the more distressing conditions which can result from it and how to cope with these-memory loss, wandering, disruptive and violent behaviour. And of course there is a whole section for family and other carers. Then in the second part of the book the author goes on to outline some of the ways in which the local church can help those with dementia and their carers. Again there is the same combination of deep insight and practical suggestions, including some very helpful suggestions about worship-both the problems and the possibilities. Finally the book concludes with some theological reflections-too short a section to my mind, and I hope very much that the author will develop his thought here in some future publication.

This is a very readable book, full of practical help, but one which also touches the depths. Above all it has a gospel to proclaim: that whatever may be happening within their brains, people with dementia are still people, because they 'are unconditionally held within the love of God'. You will find that re-iterated in one way or another on almost every page, and it is something which has enormous consequences for all of us.