In a 2024 study published in the Open Access Journal of Veterinary Science & Research, researcher Leticia Fanucchi evaluated whether structured cognitive games could alleviate symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)—a neurodegenerative condition in older dogs comparable to Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
The study introduced dogs with CCD to the Dognition® platform, a canine cognition program designed to stimulate brain function through games targeting memory, communication, and problem-solving. Using a validated assessment scale, the study found that over half of the participating senior dogs improved in both memory and communication after engaging with the Dognition® tasks.
CCD typically affects parts of the brain responsible for locomotion, navigation, and recognition, and its symptoms include confusion, sleep disturbances, loss of house training, and social withdrawal. Because the disorder is progressive and linked to neurotoxins in the brain, early intervention is crucial. Behavioral therapy—including mental stimulation—is one of the core elements of multimodal treatment approaches.
The study also showed overall improvements in cognition scores before and after the cognitive activities, supporting the importance of diagnostic tools and non-pharmaceutical treatments in managing CCD. Fanucchi concludes that behavioral enrichment like Dognition® can be a practical and accessible tool to enhance the quality of life in aging dogs and help delay further cognitive decline.
Source: Leticia Fanucchi. 2024. “The Effects of Cognitive-Enhancing Activities in Senior Canine Patients.” Open Access Journal of Veterinary Science & Research.
