Dementia & Alzheimer's in Dogs

Dementia and Alzheimer's in dogs is referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). Similar to the affects of dementia and Alzheimer's on human beings, CCD affects elderly dogs by reducing their ability to think, learn and remember, says Dr. Foster Smith. The condition is caused by aging of the brain, which results in a change in chemical structures that affect normal brain activity. CCD affects dogs both physically and behaviorally and is most likely to occur in dogs 10 years and older.

  1. Memory

    • If your dog is suffering from CCD, its memory will begin to deteriorate as time goes on. It might become disorientated, even if it is in a familiar place and might also become trapped behind previously familiar furniture. Your dog might also stop responding to your commands and training routine and become less able to learn new things and adapt to new surroundings. It will find it increasingly difficult to navigate itself on walks and around the house, forgetting where doors are and wandering about aimlessly.

    Behavior

    • Dogs with CCD will also experience changes in their behavior as the activity in their brain is altered. It might become withdrawn and depressed, seeking your attention less and less while whining or panting for no clear reason. It may no longer seem eager to take treats or eat its food and become less interested in greeting and interacting with people.

    Physical Symptoms

    • Your dog will also experience some physical symptoms as a result of CCD. It is likely to sleep more during the day but have trouble settling in at night, says My-Old-Dog. CCD may also cause it to tremble and shake involuntary and it may lose some bladder control because of impaired memory.

    Diagnosis

    • If you suspect that your dog could have CCD, then you must take it to a vet to be diagnosed. The vet will carry out some physical and neurological examinations to determine whether or not it is indeed suffering from the disorder. CCD can display similar symptoms to other serious conditions, so it is important to get a veterinary diagnosis to ensure the right treatment for your dog, says Dr. Foster Smith.

    Treatment

    • Sadly, there is no cure for CCD and it is a condition which is part of the aging process for affected dogs. However, there is a drug which your vet can prescribe to help ease the symptoms of CCD, which is also prescribed to humans suffering from Alzheimer's. Selegiline, or L-deprenyl (brand name Anipryl), helps boost the levels of dopamine in the brain, a chemical that promotes healthy cognitive functioning. Evidence about its effectiveness are not yet conclusive and different dogs experience different levels of improvement.

    Coping

    • Although there is nothing you can do to cure your dog of CCD, there are measures you can take to help it cope with the condition and make its life more comfortable. Try to keep its mind as a active as possible by giving it moderate exercise, playing with it and providing it a variety of toys. Keep its environment as familiar as possible by avoiding any change to its routine or surroundings. This includes acting cautiously when introducing it to new people, toys or other animals. Help your dog to move around the house safely and easily without the risk of getting lost by keeping exit doors closed and purchasing a stair ramp, if necessary.