The key facts

  • Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs is similar in mechanism to Alzheimer's disease: beta-amyloid accumulates in the brain and neurons die off
  • Signs most often appear after the age of 8–9; at least one symptom is present in 20–60% of senior dogs
  • The dysfunction cannot be cured, but a stable routine, diet, and puzzles can slow its progression

How dementia manifests in dogs

A dog with cognitive dysfunction syndrome may stop following long-familiar commands, get lost in its own apartment, relieve itself away from its usual spot, sleep worse at night, and become anxious when alone, even if it previously coped calmly with separation from its owner. This was stated by Anastasia Balmakova, assistant at the Department of Surgery, Obstetrics and Pathology of Small Animals of the Kazan State Agrarian University Institute, in an interview with Gazeta.Ru.

Mechanism of the disease

According to the veterinarian, the mechanism of the disease resembles Alzheimer's disease in humans: in the brain of an aging animal, beta-amyloid accumulates, causing neurons to gradually lose their ability to function and die off, the cortex of the cerebral hemispheres thins, and the brain regions responsible for memory and spatial orientation shrink in volume. Signs most often appear after the age of 8–9, although much depends on the dog's size and breed. By various estimates, at least one symptom of cognitive dysfunction is present in 20–60% of senior dogs.

What can be done

Cognitive dysfunction cannot be cured, but its progression can be slowed. Veterinarians advise not to abruptly rearrange furniture or change familiar walking routes, to leave a nightlight on for an elderly dog, to maintain a stable feeding and walking routine, and to add antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to the diet. Simple food puzzles, as well as new smells and textures, are helpful — the pet should be introduced to them gradually and without overloading. In cases of pronounced anxiety and sleep disturbances, a veterinarian may prescribe medications that slow brain aging and aids that help the dog sleep. Before attributing behavioral changes to aging, Balmakova recommends taking the pet to a veterinarian: an examination, blood and urine tests, and, if necessary, an ultrasound or X-ray help rule out other causes.

Context

Earlier, as reported on October 23, a new canine dementia test was discussed, capable of detecting the disease long before the first symptoms appear. The new recommendations from the Kazan veterinarian concern not diagnostics, but recognizing the signs of the disease by owners and supporting the animal after they appear.