Telling the truth to dementia patient about their dog dying.?

I read on a dementia web site not to lie to dememtia patients, but now that I need that information, I can't find it. Can anyone help?

It depends upon the patient and the stage of the disease...in the early stages of Alzheimer's it might be good not to lie, but in the later stages they might not remember anything you told them 5 minutes later or be unable to comprehend anything. If they are easily "stirred up" by anthing, it is best to go with the flow or try to keep them on any track that will not get them upset...distraction sometimes works by changing the subject. Again it depends upon the person and their disease stage. There is no set rule that always works all of the time.

You are going to have to evaluate the patient - how far along with dementia is she? will she know who the dog is?

It is really a case by case basis.

My best friend's mother has MS and though I don't know if she also has dementia, I know that she's loosing her memory.
From what I have experienced, I think that telling the truth only applies some times. If the person is older and there's not much hope of recovery, as in my friend's mother's case, then lying helps too. I can understand telling a patient truthfull if they are dying, because it gives them time to settle and finalize things. As well as prepare them for death mentally. However, if it's something like their dog passing on, I would have to say I'd rather lie. The only thing that will come out of telling the truth is making them sad. If they wont be seeing the dog again anyhow, like if they are in a hospital or home, tell them the dog's doing just fine and is healthy. At least this way their spirits stay up. i wouldn't say anything unless they ask tho. If they forget, let them forget. That may sound harsh, but it'll spare their being hurt.
Hope this at least helps some.