Book links prayer, Alzheimer patients

"Pray With Me Still," a book based on their work with Alzheimer's patients, has chapters by Rev. John Malecki, a priest of the Albany Diocese, and Maggie Hume, a parishioner of St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park.

Several years ago, Father Malecki, a psychologist who counsels Alzheimer's patients, researched the effects of the disease among residents of Teresian House, a senior center in Albany.

His research found that those suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia are capable of symbolic thinking, can give meaning to their suffering and are able to engage in an active prayer life.

"This opens up a great opportunity to work with these people on a spiritual level," Father Malecki told The Evangelist.

Maggie Hume, her husband and their five children cared for her mother in their home for four years as she dealt with Alzheimer's.

She decided to keep a journal of her meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary and how she tried to live them in the day-by-day care of her mother.

Mrs. Hume's journal and Father Malecki's research are joined in the new book.

("Pray With Me Still" can be purchased at www.avemariapress.com or O'Connor's Church Goods in Latham. Call 785-7750.)

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