Cognitive dysfunction in dogs or canine dementia is a widely recognized neurobehavioral syndrome in aging dogs. It is characterized by changes in memory, social interactions, and sleep cycle.
Idiopathic epilepsy is the most common chronic neurologic condition in dogs, and there is increasing evidence of co-morbid neurobehavioral problems including anxiety, ADHD-like behavior, and cognitive impairments.
Whereas the evidence is mounting regarding the co-morbidity of epilepsy and early-onset cognitive impairment and dementia in humans, this phenomenon has not been studied in dogs. In this Specialty Update Dr. Rowena Packer discusses her large scale study of cognitive dysfunction in an aging population of dogs and dogs affected with idiopathic epilepsy. Discussion includes:
- Features of naturally occurring cognitive dysfunction in dogs
- Risk factors identified for cognitive dysfunction
- Risk factors for and features of cognitive decline in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy
- Protective and preventive measures that owners can take to stave off or minimize risks for cognitive dysfunction in dogs
Running time: 24 mins
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