Dementia in Malta : new prevalence estimates and projected trends

Previous estimates have indicated that in 2005, there were 4,072 individuals with dementia (IWD) in the Maltese islands and that this number would almost double by the year 2050. These figures were based on the EURODEM project that analysed the results of a population-based systematic review of published studies on the global prevalence of dementia from 1980 to 2004. Since then, further dementia prevalence studies have been carried out in Europe. These were reviewed in another European funded project, the EUROCODE project, with the aim of developing consensual European age and gender specific prevalence rates that would be acceptable for all countries. Using these revised rates, the estimated number of IWD over 60 years of age in the Maltese islands in 2010 was found to be 5,198; a significant increase on previous projected data. Likewise, the number of IWD in Malta over 60 years in 2030 is projected to be close to 10,000 persons or 2.3% of the total Maltese population. Using these revised estimates, the 2% prevalence rate of dementia among the local population is expected to be reached by 2025; twenty-five years prior to what was previously reported. The data presented here include current updated estimates and projections for the number of IWD in the Maltese islands.peer-reviewe

Reframing dementia care in Maltese Hospitals

This commentary addresses the urgent need to improve the care of patients with dementia and cognitive impairment in Maltese hospitals by proposing a number of dementia-friendly hospital-based initiatives. The authors discuss the rationale for developing these interventions in view of the increase in prevalence of persons with dementia in the Maltese Islands, some of whom may require hospital care at any time. Lessons learned from initiatives abroad are reviewed and an overview of the key objectives set out in the National Strategy for Dementia in the Maltese Islands is given. Finally, this article proposes a number of dementia-friendly initiatives that can be introduced in Maltese hospitals so as to induce the required change.peer-reviewe

"Quotidiennete" in the writings of Adalbert-G. Hamman (1910-2000) : the existential concern of a twentieth-century patristic scholar

In this short communication, the author presents Hamman's analysis and patristic treatment of the lives of early Christians. Hamman's mastery is evident from the familiarity he shows with the social ambience in which the Fathers lived. In fact there are two works by Hamman which more than any others provide contemporary scholars and readers with an impressive body of data to ponder upon and an encouraging ideal to follow.peer-reviewe

The Ecumenical Commitment of Pope Francis

The Ecumenical Movement was born outside the Roman Catholic Church, just over a century ago. The impetus of this Movement officially came in touch with the Catholic Church during the relatively short, yet eventful Pontificate, of Pope John XXIII. The incipit of each of the five Pontificates since then has been analysed for the ecumenical credentials of each of the men who was elected Bishop of Rome. On the 13th March 2013, we witnessed the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as the new Pope. In the few months which have passed since the election of Pope Francis, we have been able to focus our attention upon the few, yet highly important, ecumenical pronouncements he has made.peer-reviewe

The social morality of John Chrysostom : the contribution of Adalbert Hamman (1910-2000)

While reflecting on the enormous contribution of Jacques-Paul Migne (1800-1875) on the centenary of his death, Adalbert Hamman (1910-2000) praises the perennial usefulness of "returning to the Fathers". He affirms that far from being "une excursion archeologique", such a retrieval of patristic texts has led to a far-reaching appreciation of dimensions in early Church life and in early theology which had been neglected for many centuries. Indeed, the patristic era of theology has been described by Henri de Lubac (1896-1991) as one possessing "une vitalite explosive". Despite the controversies which erupted from time to time and the sprouting of heretical movements, it is an age of enormous theological fertility. The "actualite des Peres", de Lubac insists, is indeed "une actualite de fecondation".peer-reviewe

Teilhard de Chardin on Insects in "The Phenomenon of Man"

The year 2009 saw the publication of a curious work bearing the title The Secret Life of Insects: An Entomological Alphabet (New Brunswick and London: Transaction Publishers). The author, Peter Milward (b. 1925), excels in having combined together humour and profundity. The title is indeed curious and attention-catching, although it can also be misleading, for in fact the book contains a wide series of philosophical and theological reflections. Milward himself confesses in the book’s prologue: “I make no claim to entomological expertise. That is to say, I confess my ignorance of insects … I know nothing about insects, except what everybody knows.”As Milward proceeds to explain, his original and insightful reflections about insects “go on to discourse about the philosophy and the theology of the universe, ending (of course) with God”.peer-reviewe

The Revival of Scholastic Sacramental Theology after the Publication of Aeterni Patris

The article explores Neo-Scholasticism, a period in Catholic theology which, normally nowadays, attracts little attention. The publication of Leo XIII’s encyclical Aeterni Patris, in 1879, and its effects on theology are studied with particular reference to sacramental theology. The main exponents of the Neo-Scholastic movement (e.g. Kleutgen, Mercier) and their contributions are highlighted. The article then proceeds to an in-depth analysis of the treatise De sacramentis in genere as presented by leading theologians, such as Franzelin, Billot, and van Noort. The central issue of causality is investigated. Finally, the article reflects briefly on the positive confluence between Neo-Scholasticism and Ressourcement in the first decades of the 20th century.peer-reviewe

Seeking Sanctity in our Contemporary World

Talking about sanctity in our contemporary world, from a Christian perspective, is like talking about the precious stone in the story. Undoubtedly, there are many today who still search for sanctity-and even crave for it, perhaps thinking that this is something reserved for the elite few.peer-reviewe

The crucible of formation : the theological milieu wherein giants grew

This study will seek to give a bird's eye-view of certain more conspicuous aspects of the theological milieu during the period which spans the pontificate of Leo XIII right down to that of Pius XI. The confluence consists mainly of the encounter between two contrasting currents - on one hand, the Neo-Scholastic revival, especially in the wake of Leo XIII's landmark encyclical Aeterni Patris (1879), and on the other, the theological Ressourcement, especially the Liturgical Movement. This interesting and stimulating context indeed turned out to be an effective crucible in the formation of the future giants.peer-reviewe

The problem of god in the book of Job

The paper seeks to delve into an existential question at the confluence of Scripture studies, metaphysics and systematic theology. According to Samuel Terrien, Job, “the hero of the folk tale is a semi-nomadic sheikh, pious, virtuous, and prosperous, suddenly stricken with the loss of his children, his health and his wealth,” James Crenshaw affirms that together with Qoheleth, the book of Job marks "the apex of dissent in the Old Testament,'" The text of the Book of Job raises many questions, both to the inexperienced reader, as well as to the well-versed scholar.peer-reviewe