Scientists have identified factors that contribute to an increased risk of dementia in dogs, according to information from New York Post. In a study involving owners of more than 15,000 dogs, it was found that the risk of 'dog dementia' increases by 52% each year after a dog reaches the age of 10. Moreover, the risk of dementia in inactive dogs is nearly 6.5 times higher than in very active ones. Dog owners completed two surveys: one regarding health and physical activity, and the other concerning the social behavior of dogs (for example, whether the dog recognizes familiar people). A total of 1.4% of the 15,000 dogs suffered from dementia. Additionally, when not considering the level of physical activity, the risk of dementia increases by 68% each year after the pet's tenth year of life. Cognitive functions in dogs, like in humans, decline with age. Symptoms of dementia in dogs may include loss of spatial orientation, changes in social interactions, sleep disturbances, and memory deterioration. Previous studies on rodents have shown that physical exercise may have a protective effect against the development of biological markers associated with Alzheimer's disease. — scientists note. Zoologists emphasize that the level of physical activity in dogs may decrease due to dementia, which should be taken into account when analyzing the causes of this disease.
