Dementia and Your Pet

​Dog dementia is the gradual decline of brain function in older dogs.  It can be diagnosed using the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES) in combination with a physical and neurological checkup.  Additional lab tests and an MRI may be needed to rule out other causes that mimic dementia symptoms.
While there is no cure for CCD, all hope is not lost.  With the help of medications such as Anipryl, particular diets, and supplements, you can help slow down the progression of brain decline.  Also, precautions at home and mild exercise may help improve your pet’s quality of life.

Dementia and Your Pet
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

​As your dog ages, you may notice them being irritable, forgetting their routine, having accidents inside, or getting lost in the house.  These can be signs of dog dementia.  Dog dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome, is a degenerative brain condition that causes memory loss, mood changes, and behavior changes.  It is estimated that almost 15% of dogs over age 8 develop CCD.
Seeing a once-spirited dog deteriorate and become disoriented in their surroundings can be disheartening.  With no cure for the disease, but with proper diagnosis, medication, and supportive care at home, pet parents can help their dog live the most extended and best life possible.
 
What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) or Dog Dementia?
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is the dog version of Alzheimer's disease in humans.  The start of dog dementia leads to the inability to remember or process information.  In turn, it affects the brain’s signals to the body.  This declining cognitive function is partly due to increasing amounts of beta-amyloid protein as the dog ages, which is toxic to the brain.  Less blood flow and malfunctioning neurons can also contribute to the first signs and symptoms of dementia.  Neurons are a type of cell that help carry messages throughout a dog’s brain and body.
 
When Does Dog Dementia Usually Start?
Dog dementia begins to affect dogs around the age of nine, but dogs as young as eight may also develop the condition.  The chances of your dog developing CCD increase as they age.  Dementia can affect all dog breeds.
 
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs?
The signs of cognitive dysfunction appear over time as your dog ages.  Below are some of the main characteristics and symptoms of dementia in dogs.
Anxiety and fear - confusion caused by dementia can lead to stress and anxiety.  Your pet may become more clingy and develop separation anxiety.  They may also get more anxious and restless and have mood swings after the sun goes down.  Sometimes, your dog may start to have new phobias or fears, especially if they experience vision or hearing loss.  Anxiety may also cause loss of appetite.  Canines with CCD may express anxiety through repeated actions, such as licking, compulsive pacing, or going in circles.
Disorientation and confusion - your usually alert dog will act confused and lost in their surroundings.  It may manifest as wandering, staring, or moving to unusual places.  Your dog may also have trouble finding food and water bowls, backing out of a corner, or getting around furniture.  As the disease progresses, your dog may no longer recognize their name, family members, or familiar commands.
Extreme irritability - dogs with dementia have less patience and may show irritability with a growl or a bite.  Your dog may also avoid other pets in the house or be unwilling to meet new people or go places.
Forgetting routines, training, or house rules - older dogs with dementia can fail to remember their house training or any other training they received.  It may result in inappropriate urination and defecation in the house.  In working dogs, this can manifest as a decline in performance.
Less desire to play - even though your dog may be pacing at night, they may not want to go out for a walk or play during the day as the disease progresses.  They may also have less energy during the day.
Night vocalization and walking - your dog may bark, whine, or cry for no apparent reason or because they feel anxious or stressed due to confusion.  Some dogs may go on midnight walks or pace around the house at night.  
 
How is Dementia Diagnosed in Dogs?
If your dog shows any of the above signs and symptoms, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.  A veterinarian will use the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES) and perhaps a behavior checklist for dog dementia called DISHAA as part of your dog’s evaluation.
DISHAA is an acronym that asks about different types of symptoms:

• Activity changes
• Anxiety changes
• Disorientation
• House soiling, learning, and memory issues
• Interactions (with humans and other animals)
• Sleep-wake changes

Your dog’s veterinarian may recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms to dog dementia.

• Doing a physical and neurological assessment
• Ordering laboratory tests, such as bloodwork
• Reviewing current medications and their side effects
• Using imaging tests, such as an MRI

 
What Treatments Are Available for Dogs With CCD?
There is no cure for dementia.  But your veterinarian can prescribe treatments to help slow the progression of the disease or ease your dog’s symptoms.
Medications - your veterinarian may prescribe selegiline hydrochloride (Anipryl).  It is given to your pet daily by mouth in the morning.  This medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to take effect.  But it can take 8 to 12 weeks to see if it will help your dog improve.  Selegiline hydrochloride is the only FDA-approved medicine to treat cognitive dysfunction in dogs.  
Diet changes - your veterinarian may recommend a diet change to help protect healthy brain cells.  Diets containing antioxidants, fats, and fatty acids help slow cognitive decline.  Pet foods such as Purina’s Neurocare and Hill’s Brain Aging Care are two options currently available on the market.
Supplements - some supplements may also protect your dog’s brain health and improve their dementia symptoms. These include:

• Apoaequorin (Neutricks) - is made up of a protein found in jellyfish that may improve cognition in older dogs by protecting the brain cells.  It comes in a soft chew form and can be given to your pet daily.
• SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) - this dietary aid may help lower cognitive dysfunction, boost activity levels, and improve awareness in dogs showing signs of dementia.
• Senilife - is a brand-name supplement that contains antioxidants and other compounds that may help slow down brain aging.

 
What Can I Do To Best Support My Dog Living With Dementia?
Dogs with dementia need more patience and care to stay safe and live healthier lives.  Here are some ways you can make your canine’s life a bit more comfortable:

• If your dog can walk, continue regular play and low-impact exercise to maintain a healthy weight and offer stimulation.  Food puzzles and tricks also provide enrichment.
• If your dog does not want to mingle with humans, make sure they have a place they can go to rest in a quiet space.
• If your dog has the habit of night walking, take them for a walk before bedtime to help them sleep through the night.
• If your dog is deaf, stomp your feet when approaching them while they are sleeping to avoid startling them.
• If your pet’s vision is still good, teach them hand signals.  It will help when or if their hearing fails.  Learning signals is fun for some dogs and can be more natural than verbal commands.
• Spend more time with your dog, giving them extra snuggles or a good brushing.
• Use a gate to block stairways to prevent your dog from falling.  Block access to areas behind the couch to prevent your dog from getting confused.

 
How Long Does a Dog With Dementia Live?
Dogs with CCD can have an average life span if the pet parent and veterinarian support them.  But, dogs with severe symptoms are often euthanized within 12 to 24 months from the start of the disease and diagnosis.  It is because of the progression of dementia or other health-related problems, like heart disease or cancer.