I am writing a book on Dementia; it will discuss our ups, downs, twists and turns. The form will resemble that of a journal I guess to help those who may deal with it or have dealt with this horrible disease. Like Alzheimer, dementia can strike randomly. We would have never thought that our little tank built, sharp as a whip Jack Russell would have been hit by it. Once feisty, tenacious and very dominant girl has been transformed into a lost soul.
This is the first dog of ours that has suffered from dementia; although a couple seemed like they had it as they got older but once you see it you know that a little confused is not dementia. Jessie has very few agendas now; not long ago she was driven by food, movement and dominance. She still likes her food but comes no where near the gusto of just a few months ago. Her prey drive is all but gone; there have been a few sparkle moments but they are minute to what was once a very driven little dog. And the dominance is also but a memory; there have been a few stray attempts but mostly it is gone.
Everything has changed in a matter of months. Many hours are spent wandering; pacing and searching for something that she cannot find. There are strange things going on in that little head now; most I cannot even guess at anymore. She still takes comfort in my arms but can typically be found away from the rest of the family. This is one common symptom of the disease; preferring to be alone, not a typical dog behavior.
Not only has Jessie been stricken by dementia but her sight, hearing and sense of smell are almost gone. Her hearing is the worst; she can barely hear a scream and even at that I think it may be the vibration she is feeling and not hearing at all. She is steadily getting worse; not at a fast rate, more like a snail pace but worse none the less. It is sad to see a once vibrant force to be reckoned with succumb to this disease that literally sucks the life from a dog. On her moments of energy it is good to see her come to life about meal time or walk time. It truly is the little things.