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When your dog gets older, parts of their body <\/span>don\u2019t<\/span> work as well as they used to. Their legs get stiff, their eyesight isn\u2019t as good, and they may become deaf. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n They also can appear to develop dementia, with memory loss and restlessness, not unlike people with Alzheimer\u2019s Disease. In dogs, this illness is known as canine cognitive dysfunction and affects at least 30% of dogs who are over 11 years of age. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction show very specific changes in their brains. Their brain is smaller and they have less nerve cells than a healthy dog of the same age. They also have less neurotransmitters, which are involved in sending signals from one nerve cell to the next. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Sleeping Like a Baby?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The more common symptoms of this disorder are increased anxiety, going to the toilet in the wrong place, and forgetfulness. These old souls don\u2019t seem to remember anything you have taught them!\u00a0 <\/span>They are also known to walk through the house at night, and can keep the whole family awake.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s not easy to diagnose canine cognitive dysfunction. The first thing you need to do is to make sure there are no medical reasons for your dog\u2019s change in behavior. He may be going to the toilet inside because he\u2019s lost control of his bladder. He may be unable to sleep because his joints are aching.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n A definite diagnosis can only be obtained by doing a brain scan on your dog. This can really hurt your budget, so you\u2019ll find that your vet will probably be happy to recommend treatment based on your dog\u2019s symptoms and the results of routine blood tests.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Relief For Both You And Your Dog<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n If your dog suffers from canine cognitive dysfunction, it can really distress him and also disrupt your lifestyle. You\u2019ll be tired from being woken repeatedly at night, and you\u2019ll be well and truly tired of cleaning up after your dog. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Here are some suggestions which may make life easier for your old dog, if he is showing signs of brain deterioration.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 1. Feed him a\u00a0 <\/span>food containing lots of anti-oxidants; this can make a big improvement in his demeanor. You may also want to give him a senior supplement containing Ginkgo Biloba to help enhance his brain function.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 2. Your veterinarian may prescribe a medication called Anipryl to increase the amount of neurotransmitters in his brain. 75% of affected dogs will improve to some extent while they\u2019re taking this drug.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n