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Detecting Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs
Analysis by Dr. Karen Shaw BeckerAugust 04, 2022
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) is a form of cognitive decline in dogs that shares similarities with Alzheimer’s disease in humans
- There is no specific diagnostic tool or test to reveal if a dog has CCDS, so it’s considered a “diagnosis of exclusion”
- Researchers with North Carolina State University set out to determine whether cognitive function could be quantified in aging pet dogs
- Cognitive tests and blood test results correlated with owners’ questionnaire scores, suggesting that a combination multi-dimensional approach may help to quantify cognitive impairment in dogs
- The data could help shed light on Alzheimer’s disease in humans, including how the disease progresses and potentially testing new treatments
However, because there is no specific diagnostic tool or test to reveal if a dog has CCDS, it’s considered a “diagnosis of exclusion,”2 meaning a veterinarian will conduct a physical exam and collect a full history of signs and symptoms from the dog’s owner. If other physical conditions are ruled out, and the symptoms match those of CCDS, a diagnosis is made.
Scientists Seek to Quantify Canine Cognitive Decline
“One problem with the current approach is that questionnaires only capture a constellation of home behaviors,” said Natasha Olby, who recently conducted a study on the topic.3 “There can be other reasons for what an owner may perceive as cognitive decline — anything from an undiagnosed infection to a brain tumor.”4Olby and colleagues with North Carolina State University set out to determine whether cognitive function could be quantified in aging pet dogs. Their study involved 39 dogs from 15 different breeds, which were either in the senior or geriatric age rage.
While the owners filled out diagnostic questionnaires — including the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES) and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating scale (CCDR) — the dogs participated in cognitive tests to assess executive function, memory and attention.
Physical and orthopedic exams were also given and blood tests were conducted to measure neuronal death. It turned out that the cognitive tests and blood test results correlated with the owners’ questionnaire scores, suggesting that the combination multi-dimensional approach may help to quantify cognitive impairment in dogs.
“The approach we took isn’t necessarily designed to be diagnostic,” Olby said in a news release. “Instead, we want to use these tools to be able to identify dogs at an early stage and be able to follow them as the disease progresses, quantifying the changes.”5
The data could also help to shed light on Alzheimer’s disease in humans, including how the disease progresses and potentially testing new treatments. Olby explained:6
Signs and Symptoms of CCDS
CCDS is common in older dogs, affecting an estimated 28% of 11- to 12-year-old dogs and 68% of 15- to 16-year-old dogs.7 However, its symptoms mimic those of other conditions that can also become more common with age, including endocrine diseases, seizures, musculoskeletal conditions and gastrointestinal problems.The acronym DISHAL can be used to help remember the specific signs linked to CCDS. These symptoms will typically start out gradually and become progressively more severe. If you notice any of these, visit your veterinarian to rule out other health problems and receive a definitive diagnosis:
1.Disorientation, including staring at walls or floors or getting stuck in odd places, like behind furniture
2.Interactions, especially those that are abnormal, such as aggression, irritability or changes in frequency of social interactions with familiar family members and pets
3.Sleep-wake cycle changes, including sleeping more during the day or difficulty sleeping at night; changes in sleep-wake cycle are often among the earliest signs of CCDS
4.House soiling, such as urinating inside the house right after they were let outside or not letting you know when they need to go out
5.Activity changes, which may include decreased activity or increased repetitive activities like walking in circles. Anxiety may make activity changes worse
6.Learning difficulties/memory loss, such as having difficulty performing tasks they once knew or learning new tricks
Caring for a Dog With Cognitive Decline
While there’s no known cure for CCDS, dogs that have it tend to live just as long as dogs experiencing healthy aging.8 Care is therefore supportive and aimed at keeping your pup comfortable, safe and as healthy as possible during their older years.Keeping a regular routine is important for dogs with dementia, so strive to keep meals, walks and bedtime/wake time at the same time each day.
A species-specific (low carb), minimally processed nutritionally balanced diet that is rich in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and healthy functional fats that nourish the brain, such as MCT oil, is very important for cognitive health, while nutraceutical support can also be beneficial for dogs with CCDS.
I recommend 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil for every 10 pounds of body weight, added daily to food, along with a source of methyl donors, such as SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), which can assist in detoxification and reduce inflammation. Other supplements to consider include:
| Jellyfish extracts | Glutathione | Resveratrol |
| Ginkgo biloba | Phosphatidylserine | Huperzine A |
| Pterostilbene | Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) | Omega-3 fats such as sustainably sourced krill oil |
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