Every church should have a copy of Malcolm Goldsmith's book, and every priest, member of a ministry team, and pastoral visitor should read it. Whether they are personally involved with someone who has dementia or not, the reader will find something within its pages which challenges, comforts and widens their horizons on the subject of the spirituality of dementia.

Malcolm has researched, lectured and published on dementia for many years and has the ability to take a complicated medical condition and put it into words which make it easy for any layperson to understand and empathise. What makes his book a joy to read is the fact that it is completely person-centred and is a mine of easy-to-read information and practical suggestions.

The book is divided into four sections: Setting the Scene; Towards an Understanding of Care for People with Dementia; The Response of the Local Church; and Theological Reflection. The reader is given a wide range of perspectives on the disease itself, on how to communicate with people with dementia, on caring at home or elsewhere, and on visiting and providing meaningful worship opportunities. Each section ends with a prayer and the book is peppered with poems, quotes and references for further study if required.

This book comes highly recommended. Be prepared to lend it often.