Canine dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. It is a progressive brain disease accompanied by behavioral, cognitive and other changes. It usually occurs in dogs older than eight years of age, but can also occur in dogs younger than six years old. Animals with dementia can get lost in the garden or get stuck behind furniture and in the corners of the room.
A recent US study collected data on more than 15,000 dogs. About 1.4% of them had dementia. It turns out that for dogs older than 10 years of age, each additional year of life increases the risk of developing dementia by more than 50%. Less active dogs were almost 6.5 times more likely to have dementia than more active dogs. It is suggested that exercise can reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Source: Ferra
