Sport, Theology, and Dementia: Reflections on the Sporting Memories Network, UK

ABSTRACT

Adopting a theological and social science lens, this study examined the role of sport in the care and treatment of individuals with dementia, through an examination of the sport-dementia organization Sporting Memories Network (SMN). A conceptual, theoretical, and methodological backdrop to the study is provided through analysis of a number of themes: the definition, prevalence, and varied treatment pathways of dementia; sport-based dementia research and interventions; an overview of SMN; and theological reflections on dementia. A qualitative approach was adopted in which an expert/elite one-to-one interview was conducted with the Revd. Professor John Swinton, and the resultant transcript was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Emergent themes suggested sport-dementia interventions, such as SMN, are one effective approach to care for and treat individuals with dementia. The article concludes by suggesting future research should explore how Christian sport organizations (and the broader church) might partner with SMN and similar organizations to address the dementia crisis.

KEYWORDS:

• Dementia
• The Sporting Memories Network
• theology
• sports

Notes

^1. Sporting Memories website: http://www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/.

^2. Alzheimer’s Research UK, ‘Alzheimer’s Research UK Launches as Public Dementia Fears Spiral’ (2011), see: http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/alzheimers-research-uk-launch/.

^3. Professor Martin Polley from De Montfort University, UK, who is the Director of the International Centre for Sports History and Culture.