Episode 33

Understanding Canine Dementia A Surprising Reality

In today's episode, Lisa narrates her very personal story about her beloved dog, Oliver, who was diagnosed with Doggie Dementia when he was about 13 years old. Yes, unbeknownst to Lisa at the time, dogs actually do develop dementia, just like humans. She started noticing some very peculiar behaviors in her dog, but at first, not knowing that dogs really do get dementia, she thought that maybe she was just reading into the signs and symptoms that he started displaying that reminded her of humans who lived with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. At first, she dismissed it as a coincidence because she had been working with humans living with dementia for so long. But his peculiar behaviors continued, so she took him to the vet, who diagnosed him with doggie dementia, or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, which is synonymous with Alzheimer's disease in humans. Lisa shares with her audience the signs and symptoms to look out for in case you suspect that your dog might have dementia. It is estimated that 68% of dogs will suffer from dementia by the age of 15!


For contact information: Understanding Canine Dementia: A Surprising Reality

About the Podcast

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Truth, Lies & Alzheimer's

About your host

Profile picture for Lisa Skinner, CDP, CDT

Lisa Skinner, CDP, CDT

Author Lisa Skinner is a behavioral specialist with expertise in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. In her 30+year career working with family members and caregivers, Lisa has taught them how to successfully navigate the many challenges that accompany this heartbreaking disease. Lisa is both a Certified Dementia Practitioner and is also a certified dementia care trainer through the Alzheimer’s Association. She also holds a degree in Human Behavior.
Her latest book, “Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s – Its Secret Faces” continues Skinner’s quest of working with dementia-related illnesses and teaching families and caregivers how to better understand the daunting challenges of brain disease. Her #1 Best-seller book “Not All Who Wander Need Be Lost,” was written at their urging. As someone who has had eight family members diagnosed with dementia, Lisa Skinner has found her calling in helping others through the struggle they can have a better-quality relationship with their loved ones through education and offering workshops on counter-intuitive solutions and tools to help people effectively manage the symptoms of brain disease. Lisa Skinner has appeared on many national and regional media broadcasts. Lisa helps explain behaviors caused by dementia, encourages those who feel burdened, and gives practical advice for how to respond.