A recent study conducted by North Carolina State University found that dogs with dementia experience similar sleep disruptions to humans with dementia. The study utilized electroencephalography (EEG) on senior dogs in order to examine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with indicators of cognitive deterioration. The results showed that dogs with advanced dementia experienced more sleep interruptions and slept less than dogs with normal cognitive functions. The study included 28 elderly dogs and utilized non-invasive methods, such as sticky gel to attach the electrodes to the dogs’ skulls. The researchers hope that this work can lead to early diagnosis and intervention for elderly dogs with signs of cognitive decline. Overall, the study establishes the dog as a model for Alzheimer’s disease and may help direct treatment development for humans.
