Nutrition’s Role in Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

The brains of dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) have many similarities to human brains affected by Alzheimer’s disease. These findings include; neuronal loss, cortical atrophy, and plaques consisting of beta-amyloid proteins. Also noted is an increase in Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) activity which leads to decreased dopamine function. As a result, there is an increased production of free radicals and neurotoxic by-products of dopamine metabolism. The net result of these processes leads to the development and progression of CDS. Clinical signs in dogs with CDS include disorientation, altered interactions with their owners or environment, sleep-wake cycle disturbances, house soiling, and changes in activity. Diagnosis is based on exclusion of other disorders causing behavior changes like brain tumors, inflammatory brain disease, or systemic diseases like liver failure, renal failure, etc. Typical MRI findings can be identified but definitive diagnosis is based on histopathology. There is no cure. Treatment with supplements Vitamins B, C and E, Omega-3 fatty acids, etc. can be beneficial as these have been shown to decrease progression of disease. Other food additives including medium chain triglycerides (MCT) can be used by the brain as an energy source which can improve cognition. There are commercial diets available such as Hills B/D ® that have many of these nutrients and additives which will help in slowing the progression of the disease and possibly aid in reversing some of the clinical signs of CDS.