Dementia in dogs is actually referred to cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in the veterinary community. The pathology of CDS is somewhat similar to alzheimers but not quite the same thing. CDS is the degeneration of the brain and nervous system and is not part of normal aging. Behavioral changes associated with CDS are not normal and should be taken as a sign the dog needs help. Fortunately, there are medications available to help dogs cope with CDS.
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CDS Prevalence
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According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), an ongoing study performed at the University of California-Berkeley has shown that 62 percent of dogs between ages 11 and 16 demonstrate one or more signs of CDS. CDS is not a new disease but has only recently been recognized as the cause of many age associated ailments previously thought to be "normal" in aging dogs. A visit to the veterinarian can help determine whether or not the behavioral changes are due to CDS or another ailment that causes behavioral changes. An owner can be well prepared for a visit to the veterinarian by keeping a journal of her dogs behavior.
Symptoms
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The symptoms of CDS are not set in concrete. A dog may present with a few or all of the symptoms so it is very important to rule out all other causes for certain behaviors before diagnosing CDS. Here are some common symptoms associated with CDS:
Withdrawing from interaction with the family
Soliciting less petting and attention
Staring at walls or into space
Sleeping more during the day
Sleeping less during the night
House soiling
Difficulty learning new tasks, commands, or routes
Pacing or wandering aimlessly
Frequent trembling or shaking
Ignoring known commands
Becoming lost in familiar places like the home or yard
Getting "stuck" in familiar places, like in corners or behind furniture
Having trouble finding the door or standing at the hinge side of the door
Not responding to name
Decreased activity
Not recognizing family members or other familiar people
Diagnosis
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The only way to diagnose CDS is to rule out all other causes for abnormal behavior because CDS can only be detected through observation. Some rule outs would be hypothyroidism, kidney disease, arthritis and other causes of hearing and vision loss. After other causes are ruled out, a dog will be placed on a trial run of medications to see if the behavioral changes improve or go away all together. The dog should become more lucid and more like himself once placed on the CDS medications.
Treatment
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The treatment for CDS relies solely on medications. Fish oil may help delay the onset of CDS and should be used as an additive to treatment. The main drug used in CDS treatment is called selegiline. Selegiline increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, which increases brain function. Selegiline may not work in all dogs but has the potential to cause noticeable improvements by allowing dogs to think more clearly, return to interacting with family members, remember more and enjoy their later years in life. Other medications that may be used would fall under the category of nutraceuticals, such as a SAM-e product.
Prognosis
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Unlike Alzheimers, CDS will not shorten a dogs lifespan. However, not treating CDS with medications will make it harder for the family to cope with the aging dog, likely leading to euthanasia at an earlier time than if the dog had been treated.
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