93

Relatives of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases often disengage from conversations with their loved one on the pretext that communication becomes impossible as the latter’s vocabulary begins to disappear. However, research shows that persons with Alzheimer’s disease wish to continue to maintain meaningful relationships. This article explores the concept of spiritual reminiscence and its potential relevance for preserving meaningful friendships with persons suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. The author outlines the theoretical contours of the concept of reminiscence and underlines the stakes of spiritual reminiscence in the accompaniment of persons with persons suffering from Alzheimer’s, suggesting that we must move beyond the therapeutic framework to restore the role of ‘civil’ society in encountering these persons; the author concludes by discussing the implications of such a shift for the Christian churches.