CCD: "Dementia" in Dogs

Like humans, dogs begin to lose cognitive function as they age. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD, in older dogs is not uncommon—a 2013 study revealed that 60% of dogs older than 11 suffer from CCD. Yet, unlike other common diseases among dogs such as osteoarthritis, CCD does not affect specific breeds more than others. With this being said, smaller dogs are more likely to have a reported case of CCD due to their longer lifespan than larger breeds.

(photo pictures beta-Amyloid buildup in dog’s brain with CCD)

In a 1996 study recorded by The National Library of Medicine, researchers found that CCD in dogs and Alzheimer’s Disease in humans have a common cause, which is the buildup of plaque in the brain. With age, this plaque begins to block neuron communication and therefore slows down cognitive function. Beta-amyloid accumulation is formed by the cleaved amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the cell membrane. Due to their similarities, many Alzheimer’s treatments for humans have been tested on dogs with CCD.

Medications to treat CCD usually aim to prevent nerve cell deterioration and normalize neurotransmitter levels. The drug Selegiline, also used for Alzheimer’s, is used to inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), preventing the breakdown of chemicals such as dopamine and epinephrine in the brain. Propentofylline is another drug that is known to increase blood flow to the brain and is an authorized treatment for lethargy in old dogs in some parts of Europe.

Although veterinarians may provide a variety of helpful medications to your dog with CCD, there are steps that you, as an owner, can take to improve your dog’s symptoms. As mentioned above, the main goal for treatments of CCD is to prevent neurotransmitter breakdown. Another way to prevent CCD is to strengthen neurons and their membranes. A diet rich with Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to strengthen neuron membranes, and mixing fruits or vegetables into your dog’s diet can provide the antioxidants needed to reduce the plaque and material buildup in the brain.Increasing brain activity through playing or training your dog will not only strengthen your bond with your dog, but will also stimulate their brain and combat boredom.

Lastly, as an owner, it is your responsibility to take notes of the common symptoms of CCD. Symptoms include decreased appetite, accidents around the house, disrupted sleep and wake cycles, confusion, disorientation, and apathy towards owners. If your dog is over 11, make sure to be conscious of these symptoms and take your dog to the vet as soon as possible to discuss the best treatments available.

Citations

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction – Dog Dementia - Dog Vet-Burwood Vet Clinic. https://www.localvet.com.au/burwoodvetclinic/CanineCognitiveDysfunction%E2%80%93DogDementia-dogvet.aspx. Accessed 11 Nov. 2020.

Guide to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. https://dogdementia.com/canine-cognitive-dysfunction-guide/. Accessed 11 Nov. 2020.

Prpar Mihevc, Sonja, and Gregor Majdič. “Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease - Two Facets of the Same Disease?” Frontiers in Neuroscience, vol. 13, June 2019, p. 604, doi:10.3389/fnins.2019.00604.