Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs - The Canine Equivalent to Alzheimer's Disease

It may surprise you to learn that up to half of all older dogs exhibit one or more signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome after they reach the age of eight years. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is very similar to what we call Alzheimer’s disease in humans. In fact, the condition is very similar in symptoms and pathology to human Alzheimer’s disease. How do you know whether your older dog is exhibiting senile behavior or cognitive dysfunction syndrome?

Some signs of cognitive dysfunction your older dog may manifest include appearing lost and confused when in familiar situations, wandering aimlessly around the house or yard, not responding when called, appearing disoriented, stumbling, decreased awareness and responsiveness, excessive barking, and loss of bladder control. It’s important to note that these signs may be caused by other undiagnosed health problems in your dog including thyroid disease and arthritis, so the first step when your dog exhibits one of these behaviors is to have him seen by his veterinarian for a full physical and blood work.

If the physical exam and blood work are normal on your older dog, your vet might make the diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Interesting enough, when the brains of dogs diagnosed with this disorder are autopsied, you see changes in the brain tissue very similar to what is seen in human Alzheimer’s disease. These include deposits of abnormal proteins in the brain along with amyloid plaques which can interfere with the way brain impulses are transmitted.

If your older dog is found to suffer with this condition, what can you do to make him more comfortable? Unfortunately, as in humans, this condition is characterized by a gradual decline in cognition which can proceed at a variable rate depending on the individual characteristics of the dog.

Fortunately, there is a drug approved for treatment of this syndrome in dogs called selegiline. Although this drug isn’t a cure for this syndrome, it can relieve some of the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome in your older dog. Your vet will be able to tell you whether your dog is a candidate for this medication. This drug doesn’t exert its benefits quickly. It can sometimes take up to a month to start alleviating your dog’s symptoms.

In the meantime, your dog may benefit from some extra attention and guidance during his daily activities. Try to avoid making any sudden changes to his surroundings or his daily activities in order to minimize confusion. Hopefully, the combination of drug treatment and a bit of tender loving care will be enough to make your older dog with cognitive dysfunction syndrome more comfortable in his later years.