Dementia in Dogs

Dementia in dogs (clinically known as canine cognitive dysfunction or CCD) is an age-related syndrome that is categorized by the breakdown of brain tissue. This deterioration creates dysfunction in normal activity, changes in personality, memory loss and relates to many of the same features of early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease in humans. CCD is largely underdiagnosed and prevalent in a high percentage of the aged canine community.Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. The causation is physical changes in the brain and it's corresponding chemical balance. If you notice a deviation in behavior in your dog, especially if she is older than ten years, she may be part of the growing percentage of dogs who experience symptoms of CCD. The first thing you'll notice is various stages of confusion and disorientation.

These symptoms can be difficult to identify as dementia-related because there are so many, and they may not be present all at once. One of the reasons CCD is underdiagnosed is because the symptoms can be considered typical physiological responses to the aging process:

• Aggression
• Anorexia (will not eat or drink)
• Change of habits / abnormal behavior
• Circling
• Constant or increased vocalization
• Disorientation
• Disrupted sleep cycle (awake at night, asleep in the day)
• Excitement
• Fixed stare (usually at a wall or door)
• Getting stuck (behind furniture, under objects)
• Hyperesthesia (skin sensitivity)
• Incontinence
• Lack of interest
• Lurching forward

There is no known cause at this time other than increased canine age. CCD is neither gender nor breed specific. Some dogs will start to show signs at 11 years of age. By age 16, the majority of dogs show signs.

Diagnosis is based on the observations reported to the veterinarian of the changes in behavior that the patient has displayed. The most effective way to go about this is to print off a check-list of the symptoms to bring along to the appointment indicating which signs are happening. Without this information, the veterinarian has no clinical reason to do further testing or evaluation. A full physical examination will be performed, as well as a thorough case history report of past vs. present behavior. In some cases, imaging scans of the brain will also provide material to help confirm a diagnosis.

Though there is no ‘cure’ for this syndrome, there are steps that can be taken to ensure the patient is as comfortable, safe and well-cared for as possible.

Changes in Diet

This treatment should be approached with the guidance of veterinarian care. There are foods specifically catered to aging dogs with added antioxidants to help slow the process of degeneration. They are nutrient-rich and balanced to help ensure the patient is getting all of the vitamins and minerals required to stay strong and healthy. This is a non-invasive, low-risk method of treatment, as the new choice of food can be gradually shifted over by mixing small amounts with the brand currently being fed.

Environmental Changes

To slow the degenerative process as much as possible, it is important to keep the patient active in mind and body. Frequent walks, learning new tricks, active play-time (with and without other dogs) and toys that keep the patient’s interest are key to maintaining health. Since the patient’s ability to navigate obstacles may be diminished, it is important to keep the main area of living as clutter-free as possible.

Medications

The veterinarian may decide to supplement the above methods with medication. This syndrome is marked by a decreased amount of the brain compound Dopamine, known for carrying signals from one portion of the brain to another. There are medications that can help build the amount of Dopamine closer to normal levels.

Due to the development in pet care over the years, including better food with greater nutritional value and advanced healthcare, dogs are living longer. This makes age-related issues more prevalent than ever. Though there is no recovery from CCD, it is important to bring your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible if any of the above symptoms occur so they can be managed effectively. Once the possibility of other illnesses and disease are ruled out, the focus can return to providing the best care possible to keep the patient comfortable for the remainder of their life. If symptoms worsen or become debilitating, follow-up appointments will be necessary to determine the best course of action in further treating the patient.