Title: Canine cognitive dysfunction

{{Short description|Disease affecting dogs}}
'''Canine cognitive dysfunction''' ('''CCD''') is a disease prevalent in dogs that exhibit symptoms of [[dementia]] or [[Alzheimer's disease]] shown in humans.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome-dogs |title=Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs |publisher=Pets.webmd.com |date= |accessdate=2014-01-28}}&lt;/ref&gt; CCD creates pathological changes in the brain that slow the mental functioning of dogs resulting in loss of memory, motor function, and learned behaviors from training early in life. In the dog's brain, the protein [[beta-amyloid]] accumulates, creating protein deposits called plaques. As the dog ages, [[nerve cell]]s die, and [[cerebrospinal fluid]] fills the empty space left by the dead nerve cells.&lt;ref name=&quot;oregonlive&quot;&gt;{{cite web|author=Andrea Menashe |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2013/10/pet_talk_canine_cognitive_dysf.html |title=Pet Talk: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome much more manageable when caught early |publisher=OregonLive.com |date=2013-10-30 |accessdate=2014-01-28}}&lt;/ref&gt; Canine cognitive dysfunction takes effect in older dogs, mostly after 10 years of age. Although there is no known cause of CCD, genetic factors have been shown to contribute to the occurrence of this disease.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_cognitive_dysfunction_syndrome |title=Dementia (Geriatric) in Dogs |publisher=petMD |date= |accessdate=2014-01-28}}&lt;/ref&gt;

==Clinical signs==
Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction may exhibit many symptoms associated with senile behavior and dementia.  Dogs will often find themselves confused in familiar places of the home, spending long periods of time in one area of the home, not responding to calls or commands, and experiencing abnormal sleeping patterns.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | url=http://www.lapoflove.com/diseases/CognitiveDysfunctionSyndrome.pdf | title=Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs | publisher=Lap of Love Educational Pet Disease Series | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919113320/http://www.lapoflove.com/diseases/CognitiveDysfunctionSyndrome.pdf | archivedate=2013-09-19}}&lt;/ref&gt; Although some of these symptoms may be attributed to old age itself, when they are exhibited together, there is a higher likelihood of CCD.

==Diagnosis==
In order to properly diagnose CCD in dogs, there is a list of symptoms that when observed together, show signs of the disease.&lt;ref name=&quot;oregonlive&quot; /&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Dr Emma |date=2022-11-30 |title=Doggy Dementia |url=https://www.roundwoodpethospice.co.uk/post/doggy-dementia |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=RW Pet Hospice |language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;

* [[Disorientation]] – loss of ability to navigate the house or remember where specific places are (i.e. furniture, corners of rooms)
* [[Social interaction|Interaction]] changes – decreased interest in social interaction (i.e. petting, grooming, playing)
* [[Irregular sleep–wake rhythm|Sleep/wake cycle]] Changes – restlessness throughout the night, sleeping during the day
* [[Housebreaking]] issues – [[defecating]] or eliminating&lt;ref name=&quot;oregonlive&quot; /&gt; indoors, not signaling to go outside
* [[Physical activity level]] – decreased interest in being outside, decreased responses to [[stimulus (physiology)|stimuli]] (e.g. sounds around home, people)

Any medical causes for these symptoms must be ruled out. Medical diagnoses that may contribute to these symptoms include [[Thyroid disease|thyroid disorders]], [[Cushing's disease]], diabetes, kidney disease, musculoskeletal disease, cancer, liver problems, and sensory loss. Also, behavioral problems in dogs may be factors that influence these symptoms (i.e. lack of housetraining, lack of social interaction, [[Separation anxiety in dogs|separation anxiety]], [[phobias]], aggression and compulsive disorders).

==Treatment==
There is no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, but there are medical aids to help mask the symptoms attributed to the disease as it progresses. Therapies are a major form of symptom masking, such as exercise increase, new toys, and learning new commands have shown increases in memory. Changing the dog's diet is also a helpful tool in improving memory and cell membrane health.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite journal | last1=Pan | first1=Y. | title=Nutrients, Cognitive Function, and Brain Aging: What We Have Learned from Dogs | journal=Medical Sciences | date=2021 | volume=9 | issue=4 | page=72 | doi=10.3390/medsci9040072 | doi-access=free | pmid=34842769 | pmc=8628994 }}&lt;/ref&gt; The combination of improved brain fuel sources (like MCTs and omega-3s) and antioxidant-enriched or specialized diets strengthens both cellular and cognitive health as dogs age.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | title=Nutritional Intervention for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction | date=19 February 2020 | url=https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/nutritional-intervention-for-canine-cognitive-dysfunction/ }}&lt;/ref&gt;

Medication is also one of the most effective ways to mask the symptoms of CCD. [[Anipryl]] (selegiline) is the only drug that has been approved for use on dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.cdsindogs.com/CDSInDogs.aspx?drug=CC&amp;country=US&amp;species=OO&amp;sec=300 |title=CDSInDogs |publisher=CDSInDogs |date= |accessdate=2014-01-28}}&lt;/ref&gt; Anipryl is a drug that is used to treat humans with [[Parkinson's disease]], and has shown drastic improvement in the quality of life in dogs living with CCD.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite journal|title=Therapeutic agents for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior dogs |journal=Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry |volume=29 |issue=3 |pages=471–479 |doi=10.1016/j.pnpbp.2004.12.012 |pmid=15795056 |year=2005 |last1=Landsberg |first1=Gary |s2cid=7671389 }}&lt;/ref&gt; In Korea a drug containing the active substance [[Crisdesalazine]] was approved for treatment of CCD. It is proposed to act as an inhibitor of the enzyme [[MPGES-1]].&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web | url=https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/gnt-pharma-s-gedacure-approved-for-the-treatment-of-dogs-with-cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome/ | title=GNT Pharma's GedaCure® Approved for the Treatment of Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome | date=10 February 2021 }}&lt;/ref&gt;

==Precautions==
In order for dogs to cope with CCD with as little frustration as possible, it is important to make the transition into the progression of the disease easy and stress free. The environment in which the dog lives is prevalent in the coping process. To keep the environment familiar to the dog, consider eliminating clutter around the house to prevent obstacles for the dog, keep commands short as to avoid confusion, immerse the dog in short, friendly play sessions, and develop a feeding and watering schedule that sticks to a routine. Avoid changing decorations or rearranging furniture in the house, as this will avoid confusion and problems with moving around. When these precautions are taken, the dog will have a higher chance of living longer with as little effects of CCD as possible.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=1346 |title=Senior Dog Care: Older Dogs, Aged Minds: Dealing With Dog Dementia |publisher=Drsfostersmith.com |date=2013-08-26 |accessdate=2014-01-28}}&lt;/ref&gt;

==See also==
*[[Feline cognitive dysfunction]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Dog diseases|Cognitive dysfunction]]