Senile dementia is a common problem that occurs in both older dogs and aging humans. Similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, dementia in dogs is a degenerative disease of the brain that leads to altered behavior and memory loss.1 These progressive changes affect the quality of life for dogs and their owners. There is no cure for dementia, but owners can mitigate the negative effects and help their dogs to live happily for a while longer.
What is senior dementia?
Senile dementia, formerly known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is a set of symptoms that result from progressive degeneration of the brain, leading to changes in a dog’s mood, behavior and memory.
The Behavior Clinic at the University of California at Davis states that 28% of dogs between the ages of 11 and 12 show signs of dementia, and this probability increases to 68% in dogs aged 15 or 16.2
Symptoms of senile dementia in dogs
Dementia has a negative impact on an older dog’s daily life and occurs in varying degrees as the dog ages. Some symptoms may appear and gradually worsen as the dog ages, but they can also appear suddenly and dramatically. Irregular sleeping habits, repetitive behaviors such as licking and pacing, decreased appetite, and a desire not to interact with other pets or their owners can be signs of senile dementia in dogs. These behaviors can put a strain on the relationship between owner and dog.
The most common signs of senile dementia can be summarized by the commonly used acronym DISHA: Disorientation, altered interaction, altered sleep, house soiling and altered activity levels.
Loss of home education
One of the biggest concerns for dog owners is the loss of house-training. When some dogs develop senile dementia, they become confused and may begin to urinate or defecate in the house. This leads to frustration on the part of the owner, who in turn becomes annoyed with their pet. This affects the bond between humans and animals and ultimately the quality of life of both the pet and the owner.
Disorientation
Other signs of confusion due to senile dementia include disorientation in the home, staring at walls and running to the hinge side of a door even though the dog has known for years which side of the door to go through. Senile dementia can cause a dog that has known its home environment all its life to suddenly get lost in rooms or corners of its home.
Vocalization for no reason
Vocalizations such as barking, whining and crying for no apparent reason are also common in dogs with senile dementia. This may be an indication of stress, anxiety or agitation due to confusion; they may also show aggression.
Aggressive behavior
Aggressive behavior may be more common in dogs with dementia due to their lower tolerance and patience thresholds. Normally patient and willing dogs may suddenly growl or bite at familiar people and pets.3
What Causes Elderly Dementia in Dogs?
The complex causes of dementia in dogs and humans are not yet fully understood. The symptoms of dementia are the result of changes or damage to the brain, but different forms of dementia can result from different brain problems.
Sometimes certain proteins in the brain build up around neurons and cause cognitive decline. Neuronal deterioration is another age-related factor that interferes with the normal transmission of information in the brain.
How do vets diagnose senile dementia in dogs?
Your veterinarian will rule out other medical problems, such as tumors or disease, before diagnosing your dog with dementia.3 Sometimes a questionnaire is used to identify behavioral signs associated with this condition.
The Quality of Life Scale, or HHHHHMM scale, is often used to help owners determine whether or not their dog has changed with age. This scale examines the signs of dementia and also includes an assessment of the dog’s behavior. The HHHHHMM scale assesses injuries, hunger, hydration, hygiene, contentment, mobility and more good days than bad.
This scale helps owners decide if a pet’s quality of life is still good as dementia progresses and can also help them decide when to consider euthanasia.
Treatment and prevention
Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the signs of dementia in dogs, but there are some supplements that can be administered to potentially delay changes in the brain as the dog ages.3 Antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are the main dietary ingredients often discussed for brain health.
Other supplements to support brain health and treat symptoms of dementia include SAMe, Denamarin, Silybin and Cholidin.
Some experts recommend supplementing dogs’ diets before they show signs of senile dementia. However, there is little evidence that this is an effective preventative measure. If you are concerned that your senior dog may be developing senile dementia, talk to your vet about possible preventative supplements.
Prognosis for dogs with senior dementia
Dementia is a progressive disease that is best stabilized over a long period of time. No matter how helpful owners are or how carefully they provide their dogs with brain-healthy supplements, the aging process will continue to damage their dog’s brain. Once dementia becomes severe and negatively impacts quality of life, most owners must make the difficult decision to euthanize their dog.