Source: PHYS ORG
An international working group of canine cognition experts has published new guidelines to standardize the diagnosis and monitoring of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), often compared to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. The guidelines define CCDS as a chronic, progressive, age related neurodegenerative condition marked by behavioral and cognitive changes such as altered sleep, anxiety, house soiling, and memory impairment.
Led by North Carolina State University’s Natasha Olby, the group developed practical diagnostic criteria, including a flowchart offering two levels of diagnostic certainty and three severity categories ranging from mild to severe impairment. The guidelines recommend beginning routine cognitive monitoring at around seven years of age using senior dog surveys, followed by more detailed CCDS questionnaires when concerns arise. By age ten, all dogs should undergo formal screening every six months. The authors hope these standardized definitions will support earlier diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and improved development of treatments.
Read the full story HERE: https://phys.org/news/2026-01-guidelines-canine-cognitive-decline.html