Doggie Dementia
Just as humans suffer from dementia in their old age, dogs can too. The disease is more formally known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Current treatment includes a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as other antioxidants and the drug Selegiline. Selegiline or Anipryl alters the attentiveness and the wake-sleep cycle.
With medical advancement, improved environments, and higher nutritional quality, animals like humans are living longer and thus suffering more from ailments that come with old age. Nearly a third of 11 to 12 year old dogs and two-thirds of 15 to 16 year old dogs have significant cognitive impairment according to research done at the University Of California School Of Veterinary Medicine in Davis. However, through diet and medication, the progress of CDS can be slowed.