Where's the dog?

CathiCip · August 19

We don't have a dog. We've never had a dog.

I replied, "What"?, and he repeated it again, "Cath, where's the dog"?

I said, "We don't have a dog", and he seemed to come out of it a little and say,"Oh, that's right".

What is going on here and what stage would you say this is?

lizfourgod · August 19

any stage really, he is reverting to the past - probably had a dog once. It could be way back to his childhood. His illness affects his short term memory and as his illness progresses he goes further back in time.

wose · August 20

I often had that question. It seemed like every new gut punch was a question about him progressing.in my mind. Now, I just go with whatever comes out of his mouth. My DH was constantly asking about the cat. Why did I let out? We never had a cat. That was about stage 4. He’s now stepping into stage 6 and every single night ( sometimes up to 7/8 times ). where are the kids? I don’t have children. He often calls me a very irresponsible mother. 🫪 But all of this happened before me. First in last out ..memory wise. The further the path, the less jarring, the less shock I have. Now it’s just Wow… this is really happening and this poor man is quite sick and very dependent on me.

SDianeL · August 21

it could be an old memory or a hallucination. If he’s not stressed I wouldn’t worry. If he’s stressed fib to him or talk to his doctor. Search on this forum for DBAT which will help determine stages.

jgreen · August 21

Here is the Dementia Behavioral Assessment Tool (DBAT). Primarily used by caregivers.

Dementia Behavioral Assessment.pdf

SiberianIris · August 21

If your loved one likes dogs, I highly recommend the Joy For All robotic dogs. They make cats too. I gave one to my mom when she was in late Stage 4. At that time, she knew it wasn't a real dog, but she loved how it interacted with her, moving around and making noises.

She's now in Stage 6 and sometimes thinks it's a real dog. It still makes her laugh, and she talks to it constantly. It's been money well spent.

annie51 · August 22

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/280538#Comment_280538

I had success with the Joy For All cat also with my DH (although the meows got to be a little too much and I muted that part 😊)

tboard · August 23

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/76886/wheres-the-dog

You need to meet him where he is. Arguing doesn't work or accomplish anything. Tell him the dog is at the vets or if you have family that they borrowed the dog and are walking it. Make something up.

Where's the dog?

Comments

Commonly Used Abbreviations

Community Guidelines

Categories