Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common neurodegenerative condition in aging dogs, often likened to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in humans. Symptoms include disorientation, altered sleep-wake cycles, reduced interaction, and memory decline. In humans, AD has been linked to risk factors such as impaired cerebral glucose metabolism, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) deficiency, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation.
In this prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, Yuanlong Pan and colleagues (2018) evaluated whether targeting these risk factors through diet could mitigate CDS. A total of 87 senior dogs with signs of CDS were enrolled and randomized into three diet groups: a control, a 6.5% MCT oil + Brain Protection Blend (BPB), and a 9% MCT oil + BPB group. Dogs were fed for 90 days and re-evaluated at days 30 and 90 using validated canine behavior and medical questionnaires.
The results revealed that dogs receiving the 6.5% MCT + BPB diet showed significant improvement in all six categories of CDS symptoms by day 90 (p < 0.05). The control group improved in only four categories, while the 9% MCT group showed benefits only in dogs that tolerated the diet. These findings confirm the therapeutic value of MCTs and nutrient blends in enhancing brain health and managing CDS.
The study provides translational value for both veterinary and human medicine, suggesting that similar dietary approaches could help manage mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease in humans by addressing overlapping mechanisms of brain aging.
Source: Pan, Y., Landsberg, G., Mougeot, I., Kelly, S., Xu, H., Bhatnagar, S., Gardner, C. L., & Milgram, N. (2018). Efficacy of a Therapeutic Diet on Dogs With Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): A Prospective Double Blinded Placebo Controlled Clinical Study. Frontiers in Nutrition, 5. Authors: Yuanlong Pan et al. Publication Date: December 12, 2018. Journal: Frontiers in Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00127
