Can Dementia Happen to a Prophet?

Of course it can. Losing one's physical, as well as mental faculties, happens naturally as anyone ages. We cannot expect our President and Prophet to be any different. He serves for life, so it is inevitable.

Other things determine whether someone is actually handicapped by diminishing capacity. Many people simply adjust to their new limitations and compensate for them.

This can be a highly individual process.

Despite some dementia being inevitable, we should be amazed that so many of our church leaders retain uncharacteristic physical and mental strength for so long. It is remarkable!

Has it Happened Before to a Prophet?

The most recent modern example is probably President Ezra Taft Benson. The process was palpable. Unable to speak sometimes, he simply presided at meetings such as General Conference. Later, he did not attend all conference sessions. Finally, he was entirely absent. Mainstream members may only see a gradual withdrawal from public church life.

President Spencer W. Kimball often had others read his prepared talk after only speaking a few minutes himself. It is amazing he was able to speak at all after his throat condition and surgery. The immense difficulty for him was obvious.

Seeing a beloved leader decay when we so badly want them to live forever is hard. Reputedly, President Gordon B. Hinckley was still working in his office up to two weeks before he died, at age 97.

What Happens While He Still Lives

Prophets have counselors to help them with their church responsibilities. These counselors are chosen by him and work with him. When a prophet dies, the First Presidency is automatically dissolved and the surviving counselors return to their places in the Quorum of the 12 Apostles.

If a president is disabled in some way, the counselors will take over his responsibilities to the extend they are able. Additional counselor(s) may be called to assist in the First Presidency. During Benson's time as prophet, his two counselors, N. Eldon Tanner and Marion G. Romney were both extremely limited also. Gordon B. Hinckley was called as a counselor to help with First Presidency responsibilities. While ostensibly operating under Benson's guidance, Hinckley was almost single-handedly doing everything.

Protections are in Place

Dementia is not the only thing that can incapacitate a prophet. Though unlikely now, Joseph Smith was imprisoned a number of times, for months. It did not stop the Church from operating then and it would not stop it now.

The First Presidency, as well as all members of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, are sustained as prophets, seers and revelators. What this means in principle is that they are all capable of receiving divine instruction under Heavenly Father's designated line of authority.

There are plenty of leaders able to act, if one or more are unable to do so, for whatever reason. Heavenly Father will not let His church flounder, now or in the future.

God is at the Helm

Former Church President and Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley explained it all in a classic address entitled, God is at the Helm:

When the President is ill or not able to function fully in all of the duties of his office, his two Counselors together comprise a Quorum of the First Presidency. They carry on with the day-to-day work of the Presidency. In exceptional circumstances, when only one may be able to function, he may act in the authority of the office of the Presidency as set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 102, verses 10–11 [D&C 102:10–11].

Unanimity Will Prevail

Hinckley also explained that when decisions are made, they are unanimous, as Heavenly Father stipulated in scripture. (See D&C107:27). While there may be differences of opinion when discussion starts, there is no personal animosity or discord. Implementation only takes place after unanimity is reached.

Dementia Doesn't Even Cause a Hiccup

We need not be concerned with the capacities or inabilities of our leaders. Leadership layers provide numerous resources to ensure consistency and continuation. Heavenly Father is at the helm and we need not fear.

History tells us our critics will continue to speculate and prognosticate while predicting problems and difficulties. We need not concern ourselves about these issues, or with our critics.