A recent study has revealed that dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) show sleep changes analogous to those seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that dogs with higher dementia scores took longer to fall asleep and spent less time in both REM and non-REM sleep, reflecting shallower sleep patterns. Using polysomnography, a sleep study method similar to those used in humans, the study involved 28 senior dogs. Owners assessed their pets’ cognitive function, and dogs underwent a series of cognitive tests to evaluate memory and problem-solving abilities.
Results indicated that dogs with CCDS exhibited increased delays in sleep onset and decreased deep sleep, evident from changes in brain waves, including fewer slow oscillations during REM sleep, a phase essential for memory consolidation. Some dogs displayed elevated fast beta waves during sleep, a sign of wakefulness, indicating less effective sleep. The study emphasizes that alterations in sleep-wake patterns in older dogs mirror those in humans with dementia. Future research aims to identify early indicators of cognitive decline in dogs by monitoring sleep patterns as they age. This groundbreaking work helps deepen the understanding of canine aging and cognitive health.
