Patron Saint of Alzheimer's & Patron Saint of Caregivers

St. Dymphna, Patron Saint of Alzheimer's

Saint Dymphna is considered the patron saint of mental illness but is also known as the patron saint of those with Alzheimer's. The book Patron Saints: Saints for Every Member of Your Family, Every Profession, Every Ailment, Every Emergency, and Even Every Amusement by Thomas J. Craughwell (2011) gives a short account of her story from the seventh century. 

Her father became mentally unstable after his wife died. So unstable that he became convinced that his daughter was actually his wife. To escape this attention, she and her chaplain, Gerebernus, left her home in Ireland and fled to Gheel, Belgium. In the end, her father hunted them down and killed them. The remains of St. Dymphna and Gerebus were found in the ninth century. Many people who suffered from mental illness were healed after praying at their tomb. Gheel became a pilgrimage site as well as a place where the mentally ill were treated.

In my Google search for more information that included Alzheimer's, Google's AI returned with a list of adapted prayers specifically for Alzheimer's:


A prayer to St. Dymphna:

"O Glorious Saint Dymphna, patroness of those with mental and emotional troubles, we turn to you in our time of need. We ask for your intercession with God for all those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and dementia, their families, and their caregivers.""Help us to have patience, understanding, and strength to face the trials and tribulations of this illness. We ask for a peaceful end for those who are suffering.""Grant to all those who suffer such trials consolation and healing through the prayers of this pure, youthful martyr. We beg you, Lord, to hear the prayers of Saint Dymphna on our behalf, grant us patience and suffering. and acceptance of your Divine will. Fill our hearts with hope. And grant us the relief and strength we so much desire.""We ask for your gentle guidance and help to care for those with mental and emotional ailments. We praise and thank the Lord for giving us you as the guardian of those with nervous and emotional troubles. I am hopeful that through your gracious mediation, he will bring back the calm and peace we once knew."

It also offered the following:

Additional Prayers:

"Dymphna, intercede for us and bring hope and serenity to all who suffer from the effects of Alzheimer's." 

"Grant me peace that has eluded me on my journey from birth to now. Assure me of security while confusion whirls in the world around me."

"Obtain for me courage and strength to accept these trials from the loving hand of God with patience; He knows what is best for the salvation of my soul."

Things to Consider:

Novena: You can also consider praying a St. Dymphna novena, which is a set of prayers prayed for nine consecutive days.

Alzheimer's/Dementia Rosary: Some people find it comforting to pray a St. Dymphna Alzheimer's/Dementia Decade Rosary.

Prayer Card: You may also choose to use a St. Dymphna prayer card to help guide your prayers.

St. John the Evangelist, Patron Saint of Caregivers

St. John the Evangelist is from the first century. In the Gospel of John, during the telling of Jesus' crucifixion, it is recorded that as Jesus was dying on the cross, he committed the care of his mother to his beloved apostle, John.

"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, 'Woman, behold your son.' Then he said to the disciple, 'Behold, your mother.' And from that hour the disciple took her into his home." -- John 19:26-27

According to Patron Saints: Saints for Every Member of Your Family, Every Profession, Every Ailment, Every Emergency, and Even Every Amusement by Thomas J. Craughwell (2011), in 2005, the international Catholic organization The Friends of St. John the Caregiver was founded to offer assistance to family caregivers while also encouraging devotion to St. John as the patron saint of caregivers.

Their website offers information and resources to individual caregivers and educational information for dioceses and parishes. They also have a Facebook Page!


A prayer to St. John could be:

Dear St. John, please give us the physical, mental, spriritual, and emotional strenght to be the best caregiver, I can be. Help me to be understanding of my loved one, and assist me in recruiting others to help in this mission. Amen.

From Common Good Magazine, a simple daily prayer for caregivers is:


Heavenly Father, Thank you for the opportunity to care for those who need my love and support. Please bless me with patience, energy, and peace as I carry out my responsibilities. Surround me with your comfort and remind me that my work is a reflection of your love.

The article, by Jonah McKeown & Editors, provides seven additional prayers covering prayers for strength and endurance when weary, courage during challenging times, patience during frustration, prayers for endurance to persevere, empowerment and connection, and prayer to advocate for loved ones.

I will make cards of these prayers on Canva to print out and have on my person throughout the day. When I do, I'll update and add a link or the file.

Do you intervene with a different saint or have a prayer that best comforts you? It can be from any religion. If so, please share it with me.

Encouraging Prayers for Caregivers

*Please let me know if you figure out how to print this in business card size! Link to File