Even Dogs Can Get Alzheimer's

Dogs age too and may suffer from age-related conditions. Some diseases are neurological in nature, such as Alzheimer's. It is a cognitive dysfunction very similar to humans (canids) and can appear at some point in life.

Animals age just like humans. While their hair doesn't always turn white or gray, aging affects dogs in many other ways as well. Many dog breeds begin to be considered older at around age 7, with the aging threshold dropping down to 6 years for large or giant dogs. In general, aging causes dogs to be less active, and increasing age can lead to the onset of specific conditions. Dogs can often suffer from neurological disorders in which canine cognitive dysfunction can be compared to Alzheimer's disease.

How Alzheimer's Manifests in Dogs

This condition appears after age 9. According to statistics, cognitive impairment affects 14% to 35% of dogs. However, we cannot speak of universality, let alone a clear signal for all animals. Of 11,574 dogs considered healthy, approximately 3 percent had diagnostic scores above the clinical threshold for cognitive impairment (canine Alzheimer's disease), according to a report published by the University of Washington's Dog Aging Project. In this regard, most veterinarians agree that cognitive development declines with age in one third of dogs, but not all cases regress to the above pathological stages.

The subjects that seem to be most prone to cognitive impairment are female dogs. However, it appears that even neutered males have cases of canine cognitive dysfunction, and this appears to be assimilated to hormones. The form we define is similar to Alzheimer's disease, which develops in dogs purely through seven symptoms. They are: general disorientation, such as wandering aimlessly around the house and yard; memory loss; decreased desire to play, eat, or exercise; and increased feelings of anxiety or restlessness. Unfortunately for humans, even Alzheimer's in dogs has no unique and specific treatment.

If some veterinarians choose drugs that act on dopamine and selegiline, it should be noted that not all dogs tolerate these drugs. Many dogs have side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, shaking, itching, and loss of appetite. A diet rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids has been shown to improve cognitive function and slow its natural aging. However, the best remedy is aerobic exercise, which usually prevents mental decline. Therefore, monitoring your pet's growth and seeking a veterinarian's opinion can be very useful in protecting the health of pets in your home.