Can dogs get Alzheimer's disease?

Older dogs can get a disease very similar to human Alzheimer's disease. They can become disoriented and forget about once known people, animals and surroundings. This is called cognitive disorientation syndrome (CDS). CDS is also likely to cause home dogs to the ground in the house, because they can think they are actually outside. Aimlessly wandering and being less social with other animals and people are other common signs of this condition.

Like the human Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's disease in dogs is associated with abnormal aging. It is assumed that the CD, as with Alzheimer's disease in humans, could be partly caused by free radicals in the body or dopamine and other neurotransmitter fluctuations. However, both human Alzheimer and CDs are at least partially caused by a change in brain chemistry and degeneration, which is caused by regular aging.

Veterinarians sometimes prescribe dopamine for CDs. Research has shown that this therapy has worked on the restoration of some normalCognitive functioning in some dogs. This can provide animals with affected CD better pleasure in their higher years. The veterinarian usually also performs extensive medical and neurological control. Alzheimer's disease in dogs is quite common.

CD can cause aggression even in very fine dogs. Aggression is likely to be due to the loss of brain cells due to brain degeneration. Sleep and awakening changes are also associated with the condition. The dog can sleep a lot during the day, but less at night.