Up next in 10
Watching your senior dog change is heartbreaking. You might notice new confusion or strange habits. Recognizing dog dementia symptoms (https://doggozila.com/dog-dementia-symptoms/) early gives you the power to help. This episode walks you through every step, from first signs to final decisions.
Dog dementia changes how older dogs think and act. You can spot the warning signs early. While there is no cure, you can slow the decline.
This episode also covers symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. It uses the latest science to help your best friend live better longer.
For more information read the original source article by Doggozila Magazine, that is called:
10 Silent Dog Dementia Symptoms That Destroy Quality of Life (https://doggozila.com/dog-dementia-symptoms/)
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Welcome to another episode of the Bark
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Welcome to another episode of the Bark
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Welcome to another episode of the Bark Brigade podcast by Dog Is Gone Magazine.
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Brigade podcast by Dog Is Gone Magazine.
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Brigade podcast by Dog Is Gone Magazine. Today, we will talk about another
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Today, we will talk about another
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Today, we will talk about another important topic and offer you a guide if
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important topic and offer you a guide if
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important topic and offer you a guide if your dog have a dementia.
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your dog have a dementia.
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your dog have a dementia. >> Yeah, and to really get into this, um, I
0:12
>> Yeah, and to really get into this, um, I
0:12
>> Yeah, and to really get into this, um, I think we need to paint a picture of what
0:14
think we need to paint a picture of what
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think we need to paint a picture of what this actually looks like for you at
0:15
this actually looks like for you at
0:15
this actually looks like for you at home.
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home.
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home. >> Right, exactly. So, picture this. It's
0:18
>> Right, exactly. So, picture this. It's
0:18
>> Right, exactly. So, picture this. It's like 3:00 in the morning, right? The
0:20
like 3:00 in the morning, right? The
0:20
like 3:00 in the morning, right? The house is completely dark. It's totally
0:21
house is completely dark. It's totally
0:21
house is completely dark. It's totally quiet, but then you hear it. That
0:23
quiet, but then you hear it. That
0:23
quiet, but then you hear it. That repetitive, um,
0:25
repetitive, um,
0:25
repetitive, um, click-clack of your senior dog's nails
0:28
click-clack of your senior dog's nails
0:28
click-clack of your senior dog's nails on the hardwood floor.
0:29
on the hardwood floor.
0:29
on the hardwood floor. >> Oh, yeah. That sound. Every owner knows
0:32
>> Oh, yeah. That sound. Every owner knows
0:32
>> Oh, yeah. That sound. Every owner knows that sound.
0:32
that sound.
0:32
that sound. >> Yeah.
0:33
>> Yeah.
0:33
>> Yeah. So, you get out of bed, you follow the
0:34
So, you get out of bed, you follow the
0:34
So, you get out of bed, you follow the sound on the hall, and you find your
0:36
sound on the hall, and you find your
0:36
sound on the hall, and you find your dog, your, you know, once incredibly
0:38
dog, your, you know, once incredibly
0:38
dog, your, you know, once incredibly sharp best friend, just pacing. Just
0:41
sharp best friend, just pacing. Just
0:41
sharp best friend, just pacing. Just walking in these endless tight circles
0:43
walking in these endless tight circles
0:43
walking in these endless tight circles in the hallway.
0:43
in the hallway.
0:43
in the hallway. >> Or, um, maybe they're trapped behind the
0:45
>> Or, um, maybe they're trapped behind the
0:45
>> Or, um, maybe they're trapped behind the living room couch, just pressing their
0:48
living room couch, just pressing their
0:48
living room couch, just pressing their nose into the corner, right? Staring
0:50
nose into the corner, right? Staring
0:50
nose into the corner, right? Staring blankly at the wall.
0:51
blankly at the wall.
0:51
blankly at the wall. >> Exactly. Completely unable to figure out
0:54
>> Exactly. Completely unable to figure out
0:54
>> Exactly. Completely unable to figure out how to just, you know, put themselves in
0:56
how to just, you know, put themselves in
0:56
how to just, you know, put themselves in reverse. And your instinct, I mean,
0:58
reverse. And your instinct, I mean,
0:58
reverse. And your instinct, I mean, almost every owner's instinct in that
0:59
almost every owner's instinct in that
0:59
almost every owner's instinct in that deeply unsettling moment is to just
1:01
deeply unsettling moment is to just
1:01
deeply unsettling moment is to just sigh, gently guide them back to bed, and
1:04
sigh, gently guide them back to bed, and
1:04
sigh, gently guide them back to bed, and tell yourself, "Well, they're just
1:05
tell yourself, "Well, they're just
1:05
tell yourself, "Well, they're just getting old."
1:05
getting old."
1:05
getting old." >> Right. We just, um, we write it off as a
1:08
>> Right. We just, um, we write it off as a
1:08
>> Right. We just, um, we write it off as a tired body slowing down. Like, "Oh,
1:10
tired body slowing down. Like, "Oh,
1:10
tired body slowing down. Like, "Oh, they're just a senior dog now."
1:12
they're just a senior dog now."
1:12
they're just a senior dog now." >> [laughter]
1:13
>> [laughter]
1:13
>> [laughter] >> But, and this is why we're doing this
1:14
>> But, and this is why we're doing this
1:14
>> But, and this is why we're doing this deep dive today, we are on a very
1:17
deep dive today, we are on a very
1:17
deep dive today, we are on a very specific mission. We want to pull back
1:19
specific mission. We want to pull back
1:19
specific mission. We want to pull back the curtain on canine cognitive
1:20
the curtain on canine cognitive
1:21
the curtain on canine cognitive dysfunction, or CCD.
1:23
dysfunction, or CCD.
1:23
dysfunction, or CCD. >> Yeah, because we really, we cannot
1:25
>> Yeah, because we really, we cannot
1:25
>> Yeah, because we really, we cannot afford to write those moments off as
1:26
afford to write those moments off as
1:26
afford to write those moments off as just normal biological aging.
1:29
just normal biological aging.
1:29
just normal biological aging. >> Right. It's not just aging.
1:30
>> Right. It's not just aging.
1:30
>> Right. It's not just aging. >> No, not at all. The pacing, the getting
1:32
>> No, not at all. The pacing, the getting
1:32
>> No, not at all. The pacing, the getting trapped behind furniture, staring into
1:34
trapped behind furniture, staring into
1:34
trapped behind furniture, staring into corners. I mean, those behaviors are the
1:36
corners. I mean, those behaviors are the
1:36
corners. I mean, those behaviors are the outward signs of a brain whose physical
1:37
outward signs of a brain whose physical
1:37
outward signs of a brain whose physical architecture is, like, actively
1:39
architecture is, like, actively
1:39
architecture is, like, actively changing.
1:40
changing.
1:40
changing. >> Actively changing.
1:41
>> Actively changing.
1:41
>> Actively changing. >> Yeah, yeah. Canine cognitive dysfunction
1:43
>> Yeah, yeah. Canine cognitive dysfunction
1:43
>> Yeah, yeah. Canine cognitive dysfunction isn't just a dog getting a little
1:44
isn't just a dog getting a little
1:44
isn't just a dog getting a little slower. It's a progressive
1:46
slower. It's a progressive
1:46
slower. It's a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
1:48
neurodegenerative disease.
1:48
neurodegenerative disease. And it directly, I mean, perfectly
1:51
And it directly, I mean, perfectly
1:51
And it directly, I mean, perfectly mirrors human Alzheimer's disease.
1:53
mirrors human Alzheimer's disease.
1:53
mirrors human Alzheimer's disease. >> That is so wild to think about, that
1:55
>> That is so wild to think about, that
1:55
>> That is so wild to think about, that their brains are going through the exact
1:57
their brains are going through the exact
1:57
their brains are going through the exact same thing.
1:58
same thing.
1:58
same thing. >> The changes happening in their brain
1:59
>> The changes happening in their brain
1:59
>> The changes happening in their brain tissue are remarkably and frankly
2:01
tissue are remarkably and frankly
2:01
tissue are remarkably and frankly tragically similar to ours.
2:03
tragically similar to ours.
2:03
tragically similar to ours. So,
2:04
So,
2:05
So, um our goal for this deep dive is to
2:07
um our goal for this deep dive is to
2:07
um our goal for this deep dive is to give you the exact tools to spot this
2:10
give you the exact tools to spot this
2:10
give you the exact tools to spot this early because early is when you actually
2:12
early because early is when you actually
2:12
early because early is when you actually have the power to intervene.
2:13
have the power to intervene.
2:13
have the power to intervene. >> Right. So, we need to really explore the
2:15
>> Right. So, we need to really explore the
2:15
>> Right. So, we need to really explore the specific differences between just a
2:17
specific differences between just a
2:17
specific differences between just a tired aching body and a legitimately
2:19
tired aching body and a legitimately
2:19
tired aching body and a legitimately failing brain. We'll break down the
2:21
failing brain. We'll break down the
2:21
failing brain. We'll break down the diagnostic stuff, the cutting-edge
2:23
diagnostic stuff, the cutting-edge
2:23
diagnostic stuff, the cutting-edge science, and you know, the home
2:25
science, and you know, the home
2:25
science, and you know, the home modifications that can literally help
2:26
modifications that can literally help
2:26
modifications that can literally help you steal back time with your dog.
2:28
you steal back time with your dog.
2:28
you steal back time with your dog. >> Exactly. But, before we look at
2:29
>> Exactly. But, before we look at
2:29
>> Exactly. But, before we look at treatments, we have to um
2:32
treatments, we have to um
2:32
treatments, we have to um we have to establish a baseline. Like,
2:34
we have to establish a baseline. Like,
2:34
we have to establish a baseline. Like, what does a failing brain actually look
2:36
what does a failing brain actually look
2:36
what does a failing brain actually look like compared to just sore joints?
2:37
like compared to just sore joints?
2:37
like compared to just sore joints? >> Yeah, how do you tell the difference?
2:39
>> Yeah, how do you tell the difference?
2:39
>> Yeah, how do you tell the difference? >> Well, there's this concept in veterinary
2:40
>> Well, there's this concept in veterinary
2:40
>> Well, there's this concept in veterinary neurology. It's called the purpose test.
2:42
neurology. It's called the purpose test.
2:42
neurology. It's called the purpose test. It's basically the fundamental dividing
2:44
It's basically the fundamental dividing
2:44
It's basically the fundamental dividing line between normal aging and dementia.
2:47
line between normal aging and dementia.
2:47
line between normal aging and dementia. >> The purpose test, okay, explain that.
2:48
>> The purpose test, okay, explain that.
2:48
>> The purpose test, okay, explain that. >> So, a healthy senior dog, they're going
2:50
>> So, a healthy senior dog, they're going
2:51
>> So, a healthy senior dog, they're going to get a gray muzzle, they're going to
2:52
to get a gray muzzle, they're going to
2:52
to get a gray muzzle, they're going to lose muscle mass, you know, in their
2:53
lose muscle mass, you know, in their
2:53
lose muscle mass, you know, in their hind legs, they'll sleep heavily. But,
2:55
hind legs, they'll sleep heavily. But,
2:55
hind legs, they'll sleep heavily. But, when they're resting, they're resting
2:56
when they're resting, they're resting
2:57
when they're resting, they're resting because their arthritis hurts or their
2:58
because their arthritis hurts or their
2:59
because their arthritis hurts or their stamina's just low.
3:00
stamina's just low.
3:00
stamina's just low. >> Right, they're tired.
3:01
>> Right, they're tired.
3:01
>> Right, they're tired. >> Right. But, if you walk into the kitchen
3:03
>> Right. But, if you walk into the kitchen
3:03
>> Right. But, if you walk into the kitchen and like open a bag of treats,
3:05
and like open a bag of treats,
3:05
and like open a bag of treats, they still know their name. They still
3:08
they still know their name. They still
3:08
they still know their name. They still wag their tail. They still maneuver
3:10
wag their tail. They still maneuver
3:10
wag their tail. They still maneuver their stiff legs over to you. Their
3:12
their stiff legs over to you. Their
3:12
their stiff legs over to you. Their actions still have a clear logical
3:14
actions still have a clear logical
3:14
actions still have a clear logical purpose.
3:14
purpose.
3:14
purpose. >> Oh, I see. Even if they're slow, they
3:16
>> Oh, I see. Even if they're slow, they
3:16
>> Oh, I see. Even if they're slow, they know exactly what they're doing and why.
3:18
know exactly what they're doing and why.
3:18
know exactly what they're doing and why. >> Exactly. A dog experiencing cognitive
3:20
>> Exactly. A dog experiencing cognitive
3:20
>> Exactly. A dog experiencing cognitive decline, they lose that thread.
3:23
decline, they lose that thread.
3:23
decline, they lose that thread. When they pace at 3:00 in the morning,
3:25
When they pace at 3:00 in the morning,
3:25
When they pace at 3:00 in the morning, they aren't trying to burn off energy,
3:26
they aren't trying to burn off energy,
3:26
they aren't trying to burn off energy, they aren't patrolling the house,
3:28
they aren't patrolling the house,
3:28
they aren't patrolling the house, they're pacing because the brain
3:29
they're pacing because the brain
3:29
they're pacing because the brain literally forgot how to settle.
3:31
literally forgot how to settle.
3:31
literally forgot how to settle. >> That's heartbreaking. I mean, I like to
3:33
>> That's heartbreaking. I mean, I like to
3:33
>> That's heartbreaking. I mean, I like to think of a healthy senior dog as like
3:36
think of a healthy senior dog as like
3:36
think of a healthy senior dog as like an old bulky computer, you know.
3:38
an old bulky computer, you know.
3:38
an old bulky computer, you know. >> That's a great analogy, actually.
3:40
>> That's a great analogy, actually.
3:40
>> That's a great analogy, actually. >> Right. Like, the hardware is clunky, the
3:42
>> Right. Like, the hardware is clunky, the
3:42
>> Right. Like, the hardware is clunky, the fan runs super loud, the battery dies in
3:43
fan runs super loud, the battery dies in
3:43
fan runs super loud, the battery dies in 10 minutes. But, if you double-click a
3:45
10 minutes. But, if you double-click a
3:45
10 minutes. But, if you double-click a file, the file still opens, the software
3:47
file, the file still opens, the software
3:47
file, the file still opens, the software is intact. But, a dog with CCD, it's
3:50
is intact. But, a dog with CCD, it's
3:50
is intact. But, a dog with CCD, it's like a computer whose hard drive is
3:52
like a computer whose hard drive is
3:52
like a computer whose hard drive is actively being wiped.
3:53
actively being wiped.
3:53
actively being wiped. >> Yes, block by random block. It's not
3:55
>> Yes, block by random block. It's not
3:55
>> Yes, block by random block. It's not just that the processing is slow, it's
3:57
just that the processing is slow, it's
3:57
just that the processing is slow, it's that the mental blueprint of the house,
3:59
that the mental blueprint of the house,
4:00
that the mental blueprint of the house, the data itself is just gone. They
4:02
the data itself is just gone. They
4:02
the data itself is just gone. They forget where the water bowl is, they
4:03
forget where the water bowl is, they
4:03
forget where the water bowl is, they forget how doors work.
4:05
forget how doors work.
4:05
forget how doors work. >> And those early warning signs, I mean,
4:07
>> And those early warning signs, I mean,
4:07
>> And those early warning signs, I mean, they are incredibly subtle, aren't they?
4:09
they are incredibly subtle, aren't they?
4:09
they are incredibly subtle, aren't they? I feel like owners miss them all the
4:10
I feel like owners miss them all the
4:10
I feel like owners miss them all the time.
4:10
time.
4:10
time. >> And constantly. They get chalked up to
4:12
>> And constantly. They get chalked up to
4:12
>> And constantly. They get chalked up to just stubbornness. You know, you let
4:14
just stubbornness. You know, you let
4:14
just stubbornness. You know, you let your dog out in the backyard, 10 minutes
4:16
your dog out in the backyard, 10 minutes
4:16
your dog out in the backyard, 10 minutes later you go to let them back in, but
4:18
later you go to let them back in, but
4:18
later you go to let them back in, but instead of waiting at the glass, they're
4:20
instead of waiting at the glass, they're
4:20
instead of waiting at the glass, they're standing on the wrong side of the door.
4:22
standing on the wrong side of the door.
4:22
standing on the wrong side of the door. >> Just staring at the hinges.
4:23
>> Just staring at the hinges.
4:23
>> Just staring at the hinges. >> Staring at the hinges, waiting for the
4:24
>> Staring at the hinges, waiting for the
4:24
>> Staring at the hinges, waiting for the wall to move. Or, um, they walk in the
4:27
wall to move. Or, um, they walk in the
4:27
wall to move. Or, um, they walk in the center of the kitchen, freeze, and just
4:29
center of the kitchen, freeze, and just
4:29
center of the kitchen, freeze, and just stand there for 5 minutes completely
4:32
stand there for 5 minutes completely
4:32
stand there for 5 minutes completely untethered from whatever intention
4:33
untethered from whatever intention
4:33
untethered from whatever intention brought them in there.
4:34
brought them in there.
4:34
brought them in there. >> And dogs are, I mean, they're famously
4:36
>> And dogs are, I mean, they're famously
4:36
>> And dogs are, I mean, they're famously good at hiding physical pain, right?
4:38
good at hiding physical pain, right?
4:38
good at hiding physical pain, right? They'll compensate for a limp for
4:40
They'll compensate for a limp for
4:40
They'll compensate for a limp for months, but they can't mask this
4:42
months, but they can't mask this
4:42
months, but they can't mask this cognitive confusion.
4:43
cognitive confusion.
4:43
cognitive confusion. >> No, they really can't. The breakdown of
4:45
>> No, they really can't. The breakdown of
4:45
>> No, they really can't. The breakdown of spatial mapping and social cues, it
4:47
spatial mapping and social cues, it
4:48
spatial mapping and social cues, it reveals itself pretty quickly if you
4:49
reveals itself pretty quickly if you
4:49
reveals itself pretty quickly if you know what to look for.
4:50
know what to look for.
4:50
know what to look for. >> Like the social cues thing, that's huge.
4:52
>> Like the social cues thing, that's huge.
4:52
>> Like the social cues thing, that's huge. A dog that has greeted you at the front
4:54
A dog that has greeted you at the front
4:54
A dog that has greeted you at the front door every single day for 10 years,
4:56
door every single day for 10 years,
4:56
door every single day for 10 years, suddenly they just stay on their bed
4:57
suddenly they just stay on their bed
4:57
suddenly they just stay on their bed when you come home.
4:58
when you come home.
4:58
when you come home. >> Right. And an owner might just think,
5:00
>> Right. And an owner might just think,
5:00
>> Right. And an owner might just think, well, they're too tired to get up. But
5:02
well, they're too tired to get up. But
5:02
well, they're too tired to get up. But in reality, the brain is failing to
5:04
in reality, the brain is failing to
5:04
in reality, the brain is failing to process the auditory and visual cues of
5:07
process the auditory and visual cues of
5:07
process the auditory and visual cues of your arrival. They aren't ignoring you,
5:09
your arrival. They aren't ignoring you,
5:09
your arrival. They aren't ignoring you, the social mapping of their pack is
5:11
the social mapping of their pack is
5:11
the social mapping of their pack is literally dissolving.
5:13
literally dissolving.
5:13
literally dissolving. >> Wow. And this gradual shift is exactly
5:15
>> Wow. And this gradual shift is exactly
5:15
>> Wow. And this gradual shift is exactly why the veterinary community came up
5:17
why the veterinary community came up
5:17
why the veterinary community came up with a really specific checklist, right?
5:19
with a really specific checklist, right?
5:19
with a really specific checklist, right? The DISHA method.
5:21
The DISHA method.
5:21
The DISHA method. >> Yes, the DISHA method. It is, um,
5:24
>> Yes, the DISHA method. It is, um,
5:24
>> Yes, the DISHA method. It is, um, essentially the ultimate diagnostic
5:26
essentially the ultimate diagnostic
5:26
essentially the ultimate diagnostic cheat sheet for an owner.
5:28
cheat sheet for an owner.
5:28
cheat sheet for an owner. >> Let's break that down because it
5:29
>> Let's break that down because it
5:29
>> Let's break that down because it categorizes all these behaviors, so you
5:31
categorizes all these behaviors, so you
5:31
categorizes all these behaviors, so you know exactly what you're looking at. So,
5:32
know exactly what you're looking at. So,
5:32
know exactly what you're looking at. So, it's an acronym. The D stands for
5:34
it's an acronym. The D stands for
5:34
it's an acronym. The D stands for disorientation.
5:35
disorientation.
5:35
disorientation. >> Right, which is that wiped hard drive we
5:37
>> Right, which is that wiped hard drive we
5:37
>> Right, which is that wiped hard drive we just talked about. They lose their
5:39
just talked about. They lose their
5:39
just talked about. They lose their spatial awareness in environments
5:40
spatial awareness in environments
5:40
spatial awareness in environments they've known flawlessly for years. They
5:43
they've known flawlessly for years. They
5:43
they've known flawlessly for years. They wander into the laundry room, end up
5:44
wander into the laundry room, end up
5:44
wander into the laundry room, end up facing the washing machine, and they
5:46
facing the washing machine, and they
5:46
facing the washing machine, and they just lack the cognitive ability to
5:49
just lack the cognitive ability to
5:49
just lack the cognitive ability to simply walk backward to get out.
5:50
simply walk backward to get out.
5:50
simply walk backward to get out. >> get stuck. Okay, so what about the I?
5:52
>> get stuck. Okay, so what about the I?
5:52
>> get stuck. Okay, so what about the I? >> The I stands for interactions.
5:55
>> The I stands for interactions.
5:55
>> The I stands for interactions. This covers the social withdrawal.
5:57
This covers the social withdrawal.
5:57
This covers the social withdrawal. A dog that used to demand pets suddenly
5:59
A dog that used to demand pets suddenly
5:59
A dog that used to demand pets suddenly stops seeking them out.
6:01
stops seeking them out.
6:01
stops seeking them out. They might look right through a family
6:02
They might look right through a family
6:02
They might look right through a family member they've known for years.
6:04
member they've known for years.
6:04
member they've known for years. >> Wait, can it go the other way too? Like
6:05
>> Wait, can it go the other way too? Like
6:05
>> Wait, can it go the other way too? Like can they get super clingy?
6:07
can they get super clingy?
6:07
can they get super clingy? >> Oh, absolutely. That happens a lot
6:09
>> Oh, absolutely. That happens a lot
6:09
>> Oh, absolutely. That happens a lot actually. The world becomes this
6:10
actually. The world becomes this
6:10
actually. The world becomes this terrifying unpredictable place so they
6:11
terrifying unpredictable place so they
6:11
terrifying unpredictable place so they become severely anxiously clingy because
6:14
become severely anxiously clingy because
6:14
become severely anxiously clingy because you are literally their only remaining
6:16
you are literally their only remaining
6:16
you are literally their only remaining anchor to reality.
6:18
anchor to reality.
6:18
anchor to reality. But withdrawal is definitely the more
6:20
But withdrawal is definitely the more
6:20
But withdrawal is definitely the more common presentation.
6:21
common presentation.
6:21
common presentation. >> Okay, so then we have the S which is
6:23
>> Okay, so then we have the S which is
6:23
>> Okay, so then we have the S which is sleep wake cycle disruption. And from an
6:26
sleep wake cycle disruption. And from an
6:26
sleep wake cycle disruption. And from an owner's perspective, this sounds like
6:27
owner's perspective, this sounds like
6:27
owner's perspective, this sounds like the most brutal symptom to manage.
6:29
the most brutal symptom to manage.
6:29
the most brutal symptom to manage. >> It breaks people.
6:31
>> It breaks people.
6:31
>> It breaks people. A healthy older dog sleeps more during
6:33
A healthy older dog sleeps more during
6:33
A healthy older dog sleeps more during the day but they still sleep solidly
6:35
the day but they still sleep solidly
6:36
the day but they still sleep solidly through the night.
6:37
through the night.
6:37
through the night. A dog with CCD experiences a total
6:39
A dog with CCD experiences a total
6:39
A dog with CCD experiences a total fracturing of their internal clock.
6:41
fracturing of their internal clock.
6:41
fracturing of their internal clock. >> So they might sleep 20 hours straight
6:43
>> So they might sleep 20 hours straight
6:43
>> So they might sleep 20 hours straight during the daylight like totally
6:45
during the daylight like totally
6:45
during the daylight like totally comatose and then wake up at midnight
6:47
comatose and then wake up at midnight
6:47
comatose and then wake up at midnight fully alert.
6:48
fully alert.
6:48
fully alert. >> Exactly. Pacing the hallways, barking at
6:50
>> Exactly. Pacing the hallways, barking at
6:50
>> Exactly. Pacing the hallways, barking at shadows, panting heavily, just totally
6:53
shadows, panting heavily, just totally
6:53
shadows, panting heavily, just totally unable to self-soothe.
6:54
unable to self-soothe.
6:54
unable to self-soothe. >> God, that sounds exhausting. Okay, the H
6:56
>> God, that sounds exhausting. Okay, the H
6:56
>> God, that sounds exhausting. Okay, the H in the acronym is house soiling and this
6:59
in the acronym is house soiling and this
6:59
in the acronym is house soiling and this one requires a massive shift in
7:00
one requires a massive shift in
7:00
one requires a massive shift in perspective, doesn't it?
7:01
perspective, doesn't it?
7:01
perspective, doesn't it? >> It really does. When a dog who has been
7:04
>> It really does. When a dog who has been
7:04
>> It really does. When a dog who has been impeccably house trained for a decade
7:06
impeccably house trained for a decade
7:06
impeccably house trained for a decade suddenly starts peeing on the living
7:07
suddenly starts peeing on the living
7:08
suddenly starts peeing on the living room rug, it is deeply frustrating. But
7:10
room rug, it is deeply frustrating. But
7:10
room rug, it is deeply frustrating. But you have to realize they are not acting
7:12
you have to realize they are not acting
7:12
you have to realize they are not acting out. They aren't being spiteful.
7:14
out. They aren't being spiteful.
7:14
out. They aren't being spiteful. >> Right. The neurological pathways that
7:16
>> Right. The neurological pathways that
7:16
>> Right. The neurological pathways that hold the memory of potty training have
7:18
hold the memory of potty training have
7:18
hold the memory of potty training have physically degraded.
7:19
physically degraded.
7:19
physically degraded. >> Exactly. They might even feel the
7:21
>> Exactly. They might even feel the
7:21
>> Exactly. They might even feel the physical urge to go but they can no
7:23
physical urge to go but they can no
7:23
physical urge to go but they can no longer sequence the um the steps
7:26
longer sequence the um the steps
7:26
longer sequence the um the steps required to go to the back door, signal
7:28
required to go to the back door, signal
7:28
required to go to the back door, signal to you, and go outside. The connection
7:30
to you, and go outside. The connection
7:30
to you, and go outside. The connection between the urge and the location is
7:32
between the urge and the location is
7:32
between the urge and the location is just severed.
7:33
just severed.
7:33
just severed. >> So the first A stands for activity level
7:35
>> So the first A stands for activity level
7:35
>> So the first A stands for activity level changes but we're looking for a very
7:37
changes but we're looking for a very
7:37
changes but we're looking for a very specific type of activity here, right?
7:38
specific type of activity here, right?
7:38
specific type of activity here, right? >> Yeah, aimless wandering. A healthy dog
7:40
>> Yeah, aimless wandering. A healthy dog
7:40
>> Yeah, aimless wandering. A healthy dog gets up to get a drink of water. A dog
7:42
gets up to get a drink of water. A dog
7:42
gets up to get a drink of water. A dog with dementia will walk a repetitive
7:44
with dementia will walk a repetitive
7:44
with dementia will walk a repetitive oval pattern in the dining room over and
7:46
oval pattern in the dining room over and
7:46
oval pattern in the dining room over and over again, sometimes for hours without
7:48
over again, sometimes for hours without
7:49
over again, sometimes for hours without any destination.
7:50
any destination.
7:50
any destination. >> And the final A is anxiety and fear.
7:52
>> And the final A is anxiety and fear.
7:53
>> And the final A is anxiety and fear. Because their brain struggles to process
7:55
Because their brain struggles to process
7:55
Because their brain struggles to process incoming sensory data, right?
7:57
incoming sensory data, right?
7:57
incoming sensory data, right? >> Right. So, totally benign familiar
7:59
>> Right. So, totally benign familiar
7:59
>> Right. So, totally benign familiar objects suddenly become terrifying
8:00
objects suddenly become terrifying
8:01
objects suddenly become terrifying threats. The vacuum cleaner that's been
8:03
threats. The vacuum cleaner that's been
8:03
threats. The vacuum cleaner that's been in the closet their entire life might
8:05
in the closet their entire life might
8:05
in the closet their entire life might suddenly trigger a full-blown panic
8:06
suddenly trigger a full-blown panic
8:06
suddenly trigger a full-blown panic attack. You see them shaking,
8:08
attack. You see them shaking,
8:08
attack. You see them shaking, desperately trying to scramble away on
8:10
desperately trying to scramble away on
8:10
desperately trying to scramble away on the floor. They just lose the ability to
8:12
the floor. They just lose the ability to
8:12
the floor. They just lose the ability to categorize threats.
8:13
categorize threats.
8:13
categorize threats. >> So, disorientation, interactions,
8:15
>> So, disorientation, interactions,
8:15
>> So, disorientation, interactions, sleep-wake disruption, house soiling,
8:17
sleep-wake disruption, house soiling,
8:18
sleep-wake disruption, house soiling, activity changes, anxiety, dyschezia.
8:20
activity changes, anxiety, dyschezia.
8:20
activity changes, anxiety, dyschezia. >> Perfect.
8:21
>> Perfect.
8:21
>> Perfect. >> And tracking these symptoms is not
8:22
>> And tracking these symptoms is not
8:22
>> And tracking these symptoms is not something you can just put off. The
8:24
something you can just put off. The
8:24
something you can just put off. The clinical data on this is wild. It shows
8:27
clinical data on this is wild. It shows
8:27
clinical data on this is wild. It shows that 33% of dogs with normal, healthy
8:29
that 33% of dogs with normal, healthy
8:29
that 33% of dogs with normal, healthy cognition will soon decline into mild
8:32
cognition will soon decline into mild
8:32
cognition will soon decline into mild cognitive impairment.
8:33
cognitive impairment.
8:33
cognitive impairment. >> Yes, and the risk accelerates so
8:35
>> Yes, and the risk accelerates so
8:35
>> Yes, and the risk accelerates so dramatically with age. Every single year
8:37
dramatically with age. Every single year
8:37
dramatically with age. Every single year after a dog turns 10, their risk of
8:40
after a dog turns 10, their risk of
8:40
after a dog turns 10, their risk of developing dementia jumps by 52%.
8:42
developing dementia jumps by 52%.
8:42
developing dementia jumps by 52%. >> 52% every year. That's not just some
8:44
>> 52% every year. That's not just some
8:44
>> 52% every year. That's not just some rare anomaly.
8:45
rare anomaly.
8:45
rare anomaly. >> No, it's a statistical probability. It
8:47
>> No, it's a statistical probability. It
8:47
>> No, it's a statistical probability. It means regular neurological screening
8:49
means regular neurological screening
8:49
means regular neurological screening needs to be treated with the exact same
8:50
needs to be treated with the exact same
8:50
needs to be treated with the exact same urgency as checking an older dog's heart
8:53
urgency as checking an older dog's heart
8:53
urgency as checking an older dog's heart or kidney values. You can't just
8:55
or kidney values. You can't just
8:55
or kidney values. You can't just casually dismiss these subtle quirks.
8:57
casually dismiss these subtle quirks.
8:57
casually dismiss these subtle quirks. Early intervention hinges on catching
8:59
Early intervention hinges on catching
8:59
Early intervention hinges on catching that shift.
9:00
that shift.
9:00
that shift. >> But, practically speaking, I mean, if
9:02
>> But, practically speaking, I mean, if
9:02
>> But, practically speaking, I mean, if I'm at home and my 12-year-old dog
9:03
I'm at home and my 12-year-old dog
9:03
I'm at home and my 12-year-old dog ignores me when I call him from the
9:05
ignores me when I call him from the
9:05
ignores me when I call him from the kitchen, how do I know if his brain is
9:07
kitchen, how do I know if his brain is
9:07
kitchen, how do I know if his brain is failing or if he just has a massive ear
9:10
failing or if he just has a massive ear
9:10
failing or if he just has a massive ear infection and literally can't hear me?
9:12
infection and literally can't hear me?
9:12
infection and literally can't hear me? >> That is the core challenge.
9:14
>> That is the core challenge.
9:14
>> That is the core challenge. >> Because physical ailments can perfectly
9:16
>> Because physical ailments can perfectly
9:16
>> Because physical ailments can perfectly mimic cognitive decline, right? It seems
9:19
mimic cognitive decline, right? It seems
9:19
mimic cognitive decline, right? It seems dangerously easy to misdiagnose this at
9:21
dangerously easy to misdiagnose this at
9:21
dangerously easy to misdiagnose this at home.
9:22
home.
9:22
home. >> You're totally right. You have to
9:23
>> You're totally right. You have to
9:23
>> You're totally right. You have to actively play detective and separate
9:26
actively play detective and separate
9:26
actively play detective and separate true CCD from the physical mimics.
9:29
true CCD from the physical mimics.
9:29
true CCD from the physical mimics. Blindness and deafness are the two
9:31
Blindness and deafness are the two
9:31
Blindness and deafness are the two biggest tricksters here.
9:32
biggest tricksters here.
9:32
biggest tricksters here. >> Right. An owner sees their dog bumping
9:34
>> Right. An owner sees their dog bumping
9:34
>> Right. An owner sees their dog bumping into the coffee table and immediately
9:35
into the coffee table and immediately
9:35
into the coffee table and immediately assumes it's dementia.
9:37
assumes it's dementia.
9:37
assumes it's dementia. >> But, you can test for sensory loss right
9:38
>> But, you can test for sensory loss right
9:38
>> But, you can test for sensory loss right in your living room.
9:40
in your living room.
9:40
in your living room. For blindness, a dog losing their vision
9:42
For blindness, a dog losing their vision
9:42
For blindness, a dog losing their vision will heavily rely on their other senses
9:44
will heavily rely on their other senses
9:44
will heavily rely on their other senses to compensate. If you drop a piece of
9:46
to compensate. If you drop a piece of
9:46
to compensate. If you drop a piece of kibble, a blind dog will put their nose
9:48
kibble, a blind dog will put their nose
9:48
kibble, a blind dog will put their nose to the ground and sweep the area until
9:50
to the ground and sweep the area until
9:50
to the ground and sweep the area until they find it. They'll still orient their
9:52
they find it. They'll still orient their
9:52
they find it. They'll still orient their ears toward your voice.
9:53
ears toward your voice.
9:53
ears toward your voice. >> But a dog with severe dementia just
9:55
>> But a dog with severe dementia just
9:55
>> But a dog with severe dementia just ignores the world. They won't respond to
9:58
ignores the world. They won't respond to
9:58
ignores the world. They won't respond to the kibble hitting the floor, not
9:59
the kibble hitting the floor, not
9:59
the kibble hitting the floor, not because they didn't hear it, but because
10:00
because they didn't hear it, but because
10:00
because they didn't hear it, but because the brain just cannot process the
10:02
the brain just cannot process the
10:02
the brain just cannot process the meaning of the sound.
10:03
meaning of the sound.
10:03
meaning of the sound. >> Exactly. And deafness is similar.
10:06
>> Exactly. And deafness is similar.
10:06
>> Exactly. And deafness is similar. If your dog stops coming when you call
10:08
If your dog stops coming when you call
10:08
If your dog stops coming when you call their name, do the clap test. Stand
10:10
their name, do the clap test. Stand
10:10
their name, do the clap test. Stand directly behind them while they're
10:11
directly behind them while they're
10:12
directly behind them while they're facing away from you and clap your hands
10:14
facing away from you and clap your hands
10:14
facing away from you and clap your hands as loudly as you can.
10:15
as loudly as you can.
10:15
as loudly as you can. >> If their ears twitch or if they flinch,
10:17
>> If their ears twitch or if they flinch,
10:17
>> If their ears twitch or if they flinch, then their auditory hardware is
10:19
then their auditory hardware is
10:19
then their auditory hardware is perfectly fine. The fact that they
10:21
perfectly fine. The fact that they
10:21
perfectly fine. The fact that they aren't coming to you is a neurological
10:23
aren't coming to you is a neurological
10:23
aren't coming to you is a neurological failure to process their name.
10:25
failure to process their name.
10:25
failure to process their name. >> Right. And then we have to look at
10:26
>> Right. And then we have to look at
10:26
>> Right. And then we have to look at arthritis, too. Say you have a large
10:28
arthritis, too. Say you have a large
10:28
arthritis, too. Say you have a large breed dog with severe hip dysplasia and
10:31
breed dog with severe hip dysplasia and
10:31
breed dog with severe hip dysplasia and they stop walking up the stairs.
10:33
they stop walking up the stairs.
10:33
they stop walking up the stairs. It is so easy to assume they forgot how
10:35
It is so easy to assume they forgot how
10:35
It is so easy to assume they forgot how to use the stairs.
10:36
to use the stairs.
10:36
to use the stairs. >> Pain avoidance looks a lot like
10:38
>> Pain avoidance looks a lot like
10:38
>> Pain avoidance looks a lot like confusion.
10:39
confusion.
10:39
confusion. >> It really does.
10:40
>> It really does.
10:40
>> It really does. But if you carry that arthritic dog up
10:42
But if you carry that arthritic dog up
10:42
But if you carry that arthritic dog up the stairs and place them gently in
10:43
the stairs and place them gently in
10:43
the stairs and place them gently in front of their bed, they know exactly
10:45
front of their bed, they know exactly
10:45
front of their bed, they know exactly what to do. A dog suffering from
10:47
what to do. A dog suffering from
10:47
what to do. A dog suffering from dementia might stand at the bottom of
10:49
dementia might stand at the bottom of
10:49
dementia might stand at the bottom of the stairs looking up because they
10:51
the stairs looking up because they
10:51
the stairs looking up because they genuinely do not understand what the
10:52
genuinely do not understand what the
10:52
genuinely do not understand what the geometric shapes of the stairs are even
10:54
geometric shapes of the stairs are even
10:54
geometric shapes of the stairs are even for.
10:55
for.
10:55
for. >> Wow. And beyond the physical senses,
10:57
>> Wow. And beyond the physical senses,
10:57
>> Wow. And beyond the physical senses, there are systemic internal mimics, too.
10:59
there are systemic internal mimics, too.
10:59
there are systemic internal mimics, too. Kidney disease, liver failure, advanced
11:02
Kidney disease, liver failure, advanced
11:02
Kidney disease, liver failure, advanced thyroid issues.
11:03
thyroid issues.
11:03
thyroid issues. >> Yes.
11:04
>> Yes.
11:04
>> Yes. When the kidneys fail, toxins build up
11:06
When the kidneys fail, toxins build up
11:06
When the kidneys fail, toxins build up in the bloodstream and cross into the
11:08
in the bloodstream and cross into the
11:08
in the bloodstream and cross into the brain causing a temporary systemic
11:11
brain causing a temporary systemic
11:11
brain causing a temporary systemic confusion that looks exactly like
11:13
confusion that looks exactly like
11:13
confusion that looks exactly like dementia.
11:13
dementia.
11:13
dementia. >> Which is why veterinary intervention is
11:15
>> Which is why veterinary intervention is
11:15
>> Which is why veterinary intervention is totally non-negotiable. You cannot
11:18
totally non-negotiable. You cannot
11:18
totally non-negotiable. You cannot diagnose internal organ failure by
11:20
diagnose internal organ failure by
11:20
diagnose internal organ failure by watching your dog pace.
11:22
watching your dog pace.
11:22
watching your dog pace. >> You need a comprehensive blood panel
11:24
>> You need a comprehensive blood panel
11:24
>> You need a comprehensive blood panel that will immediately reveal if the
11:26
that will immediately reveal if the
11:26
that will immediately reveal if the liver or kidneys are failing.
11:28
liver or kidneys are failing.
11:28
liver or kidneys are failing. If the blood work comes back completely
11:30
If the blood work comes back completely
11:30
If the blood work comes back completely normal then the vet knows the systemic
11:33
normal then the vet knows the systemic
11:33
normal then the vet knows the systemic engine is fine and the focus shifts
11:35
engine is fine and the focus shifts
11:35
engine is fine and the focus shifts entirely to the brain.
11:36
entirely to the brain.
11:36
entirely to the brain. >> So once you rule out the organs, the vet
11:38
>> So once you rule out the organs, the vet
11:38
>> So once you rule out the organs, the vet does a physical neurological exam and
11:40
does a physical neurological exam and
11:40
does a physical neurological exam and they aren't just watching the dog walk.
11:42
they aren't just watching the dog walk.
11:42
they aren't just watching the dog walk. They are looking for specific
11:43
They are looking for specific
11:43
They are looking for specific misfirings.
11:44
misfirings.
11:44
misfirings. >> Right. They'll watch how the dog
11:46
>> Right. They'll watch how the dog
11:46
>> Right. They'll watch how the dog navigates the exam room. Are they
11:48
navigates the exam room. Are they
11:48
navigates the exam room. Are they circling exclusively to the left for no
11:49
circling exclusively to the left for no
11:49
circling exclusively to the left for no discernible reason? They'll check the
11:51
discernible reason? They'll check the
11:51
discernible reason? They'll check the cranial nerves by shining a bright light
11:53
cranial nerves by shining a bright light
11:53
cranial nerves by shining a bright light into the pupils. They'll use a little
11:55
into the pupils. They'll use a little
11:55
into the pupils. They'll use a little rubber hammer to test the reflex arcs in
11:57
rubber hammer to test the reflex arcs in
11:57
rubber hammer to test the reflex arcs in the legs.
11:58
the legs.
11:58
the legs. >> And don't they do that thing where they
11:59
>> And don't they do that thing where they
11:59
>> And don't they do that thing where they flip the dog's paw upside down?
12:01
flip the dog's paw upside down?
12:01
flip the dog's paw upside down? >> Yes, testing proprioception. They flip
12:04
>> Yes, testing proprioception. They flip
12:04
>> Yes, testing proprioception. They flip the paw so the knuckles are on the floor
12:05
the paw so the knuckles are on the floor
12:05
the paw so the knuckles are on the floor to see how fast the dog realizes their
12:07
to see how fast the dog realizes their
12:07
to see how fast the dog realizes their foot is upside down and corrects it.
12:09
foot is upside down and corrects it.
12:09
foot is upside down and corrects it. >> And the defining characteristic of a dog
12:11
>> And the defining characteristic of a dog
12:11
>> And the defining characteristic of a dog with true CCD during this exam is that
12:13
with true CCD during this exam is that
12:14
with true CCD during this exam is that they usually pass these physical reflex
12:15
they usually pass these physical reflex
12:15
they usually pass these physical reflex tests with flying colors, right?
12:17
tests with flying colors, right?
12:17
tests with flying colors, right? >> Exactly. The physical hardware, the
12:19
>> Exactly. The physical hardware, the
12:19
>> Exactly. The physical hardware, the optic nerve, the spinal cord, it's
12:21
optic nerve, the spinal cord, it's
12:21
optic nerve, the spinal cord, it's entirely intact. The breakdown is in the
12:24
entirely intact. The breakdown is in the
12:24
entirely intact. The breakdown is in the central processor. If the leg reflex is
12:26
central processor. If the leg reflex is
12:26
central processor. If the leg reflex is perfect, but they're still staring
12:29
perfect, but they're still staring
12:29
perfect, but they're still staring blankly at the wall and circling left,
12:31
blankly at the wall and circling left,
12:31
blankly at the wall and circling left, the diagnosis of CCD becomes highly
12:33
the diagnosis of CCD becomes highly
12:33
the diagnosis of CCD becomes highly probable.
12:34
probable.
12:35
probable. >> And to put hard numbers on that, vets
12:36
>> And to put hard numbers on that, vets
12:36
>> And to put hard numbers on that, vets use the Cades scale, right? The canine
12:38
use the Cades scale, right? The canine
12:38
use the Cades scale, right? The canine dementia scale.
12:39
dementia scale.
12:39
dementia scale. >> Yeah, it's a 13-question clinical
12:41
>> Yeah, it's a 13-question clinical
12:41
>> Yeah, it's a 13-question clinical questionnaire about daily routines and
12:43
questionnaire about daily routines and
12:43
questionnaire about daily routines and sleep habits.
12:44
sleep habits.
12:44
sleep habits. >> [snorts]
12:44
>> [snorts]
12:44
>> [snorts] >> It takes those DISHES symptoms and
12:46
>> It takes those DISHES symptoms and
12:46
>> It takes those DISHES symptoms and assigns them a numerical severity score.
12:48
assigns them a numerical severity score.
12:48
assigns them a numerical severity score. If a dog scores over a 40 on the Cades
12:50
If a dog scores over a 40 on the Cades
12:50
If a dog scores over a 40 on the Cades scale, it's basically clinical
12:52
scale, it's basically clinical
12:52
scale, it's basically clinical confirmation.
12:53
confirmation.
12:53
confirmation. >> It forces the owner to look objectively
12:55
>> It forces the owner to look objectively
12:55
>> It forces the owner to look objectively at the behaviors, but for owners who are
12:57
at the behaviors, but for owners who are
12:57
at the behaviors, but for owners who are just starting to notice subtle changes
12:59
just starting to notice subtle changes
12:59
just starting to notice subtle changes and maybe aren't ready for a massive
13:00
and maybe aren't ready for a massive
13:00
and maybe aren't ready for a massive workup yet, there's that three-question
13:02
workup yet, there's that three-question
13:02
workup yet, there's that three-question home test from the University of
13:03
home test from the University of
13:03
home test from the University of Washington.
13:04
Washington.
13:04
Washington. >> that test. They validated it on 300
13:06
>> that test. They validated it on 300
13:06
>> that test. They validated it on 300 senior dogs and it has an 84% accuracy
13:09
senior dogs and it has an 84% accuracy
13:09
senior dogs and it has an 84% accuracy rate for identifying early-stage
13:11
rate for identifying early-stage
13:11
rate for identifying early-stage cognitive decline.
13:12
cognitive decline.
13:12
cognitive decline. >> And those three questions are just
13:14
>> And those three questions are just
13:14
>> And those three questions are just brilliantly simple. Question one, do
13:16
brilliantly simple. Question one, do
13:16
brilliantly simple. Question one, do they get lost in familiar places?
13:18
they get lost in familiar places?
13:18
they get lost in familiar places? Question two, do they fail to recognize
13:21
Question two, do they fail to recognize
13:21
Question two, do they fail to recognize family members? Question three, do they
13:23
family members? Question three, do they
13:23
family members? Question three, do they have indoor accidents despite being
13:25
have indoor accidents despite being
13:25
have indoor accidents despite being trained?
13:26
trained?
13:26
trained? >> And if an owner answers yes to just two
13:28
>> And if an owner answers yes to just two
13:28
>> And if an owner answers yes to just two of those three questions, the clinical
13:29
of those three questions, the clinical
13:29
of those three questions, the clinical data suggests the dog already has mild
13:32
data suggests the dog already has mild
13:32
data suggests the dog already has mild CCD.
13:33
CCD.
13:33
CCD. >> It requires zero equipment. You just
13:35
>> It requires zero equipment. You just
13:35
>> It requires zero equipment. You just honestly observe your dog. And owners
13:37
honestly observe your dog. And owners
13:37
honestly observe your dog. And owners should probably perform this check every
13:39
should probably perform this check every
13:39
should probably perform this check every 6 months once their dog hits 10 years
13:41
6 months once their dog hits 10 years
13:41
6 months once their dog hits 10 years old.
13:41
old.
13:41
old. >> Absolutely.
13:42
>> Absolutely.
13:42
>> Absolutely. >> Yeah.
13:42
>> Yeah.
13:42
>> Yeah. >> The moment those answers shift from no
13:44
>> The moment those answers shift from no
13:44
>> The moment those answers shift from no to yes, your early warning system has
13:47
to yes, your early warning system has
13:47
to yes, your early warning system has been triggered.
13:47
been triggered.
13:47
been triggered. >> So, we've established how to diagnose
13:49
>> So, we've established how to diagnose
13:49
>> So, we've established how to diagnose this through behavior, but the
13:51
this through behavior, but the
13:51
this through behavior, but the scientific community has recently pushed
13:53
scientific community has recently pushed
13:53
scientific community has recently pushed way beyond just watching a dog circle a
13:55
way beyond just watching a dog circle a
13:55
way beyond just watching a dog circle a room. We're now looking directly inside
13:57
room. We're now looking directly inside
13:57
room. We're now looking directly inside the dog's head right at the cellular
13:59
the dog's head right at the cellular
13:59
the dog's head right at the cellular level.
13:59
level.
13:59
level. >> Oh, the diagnostic landscape experienced
14:01
>> Oh, the diagnostic landscape experienced
14:01
>> Oh, the diagnostic landscape experienced a massive paradigm shift recently around
14:03
a massive paradigm shift recently around
14:03
a massive paradigm shift recently around 2025. Historically, a CCD diagnosis was
14:07
2025. Historically, a CCD diagnosis was
14:07
2025. Historically, a CCD diagnosis was always a diagnosis of exclusion. You
14:09
always a diagnosis of exclusion. You
14:09
always a diagnosis of exclusion. You rule out everything else, whatever is
14:10
rule out everything else, whatever is
14:10
rule out everything else, whatever is left must be dementia. But now,
14:12
left must be dementia. But now,
14:12
left must be dementia. But now, researchers have developed actual
14:13
researchers have developed actual
14:13
researchers have developed actual biomarkers.
14:14
biomarkers.
14:14
biomarkers. >> Meaning vets can now draw a standard
14:17
>> Meaning vets can now draw a standard
14:17
>> Meaning vets can now draw a standard blood sample and physically measure the
14:19
blood sample and physically measure the
14:19
blood sample and physically measure the decline of the brain.
14:20
decline of the brain.
14:20
decline of the brain. >> Yes. Measuring brain decay through a
14:22
>> Yes. Measuring brain decay through a
14:22
>> Yes. Measuring brain decay through a blood test. It's staggering.
14:24
blood test. It's staggering.
14:24
blood test. It's staggering. >> And the researchers specifically
14:25
>> And the researchers specifically
14:25
>> And the researchers specifically targeted three proteins, right?
14:28
targeted three proteins, right?
14:28
targeted three proteins, right? Amyloid beta,
14:29
Amyloid beta,
14:29
Amyloid beta, neurofilament light chain, which is
14:31
neurofilament light chain, which is
14:31
neurofilament light chain, which is abbreviated as NFL,
14:33
abbreviated as NFL,
14:33
abbreviated as NFL, and GFAP proteins. Let's look at what
14:36
and GFAP proteins. Let's look at what
14:36
and GFAP proteins. Let's look at what these proteins are actually doing in a
14:37
these proteins are actually doing in a
14:37
these proteins are actually doing in a dog's head.
14:38
dog's head.
14:38
dog's head. >> Let's start with amyloid beta.
14:40
>> Let's start with amyloid beta.
14:40
>> Let's start with amyloid beta. In a healthy brain, it's a naturally
14:42
In a healthy brain, it's a naturally
14:42
In a healthy brain, it's a naturally occurring protein that gets cleared away
14:44
occurring protein that gets cleared away
14:44
occurring protein that gets cleared away during sleep. But in a brain with
14:46
during sleep. But in a brain with
14:46
during sleep. But in a brain with dementia, that clearance mechanism
14:48
dementia, that clearance mechanism
14:48
dementia, that clearance mechanism fails. The proteins stick together
14:50
fails. The proteins stick together
14:50
fails. The proteins stick together forming these toxic plaques that smother
14:52
forming these toxic plaques that smother
14:52
forming these toxic plaques that smother the neurons.
14:53
the neurons.
14:53
the neurons. >> So, as these plaques accumulate and get
14:55
>> So, as these plaques accumulate and get
14:55
>> So, as these plaques accumulate and get trapped in the brain tissue, the amount
14:56
trapped in the brain tissue, the amount
14:56
trapped in the brain tissue, the amount of free-floating amyloid beta in the
14:58
of free-floating amyloid beta in the
14:58
of free-floating amyloid beta in the cerebrospinal fluid and the bloodstream
15:00
cerebrospinal fluid and the bloodstream
15:00
cerebrospinal fluid and the bloodstream actually drops.
15:01
actually drops.
15:01
actually drops. >> Exactly. So, a reduced ratio of amyloid
15:03
>> Exactly. So, a reduced ratio of amyloid
15:03
>> Exactly. So, a reduced ratio of amyloid beta in the blood test is the smoking
15:05
beta in the blood test is the smoking
15:05
beta in the blood test is the smoking gun. It proves the protein is getting
15:07
gun. It proves the protein is getting
15:07
gun. It proves the protein is getting trapped and building up as plaque in the
15:09
trapped and building up as plaque in the
15:09
trapped and building up as plaque in the brain.
15:09
brain.
15:09
brain. >> Wow. And they ran these tests on 145
15:12
>> Wow. And they ran these tests on 145
15:12
>> Wow. And they ran these tests on 145 elderly dogs. And that reduced ratio
15:15
elderly dogs. And that reduced ratio
15:15
elderly dogs. And that reduced ratio directly predicted memory loss.
15:17
directly predicted memory loss.
15:17
directly predicted memory loss. >> It did.
15:18
>> It did.
15:18
>> It did. And then we look at the second protein,
15:19
And then we look at the second protein,
15:19
And then we look at the second protein, the neurofilament light chain or NFL.
15:22
the neurofilament light chain or NFL.
15:22
the neurofilament light chain or NFL. Think of NFL as a structural protein. It
15:24
Think of NFL as a structural protein. It
15:24
Think of NFL as a structural protein. It acts like the scaffolding inside a
15:26
acts like the scaffolding inside a
15:26
acts like the scaffolding inside a healthy nerve cell, giving it shape and
15:28
healthy nerve cell, giving it shape and
15:28
healthy nerve cell, giving it shape and stability.
15:28
stability.
15:28
stability. >> So, if the NFL is supposed to be inside
15:30
>> So, if the NFL is supposed to be inside
15:31
>> So, if the NFL is supposed to be inside the cell, finding it floating in the
15:33
the cell, finding it floating in the
15:33
the cell, finding it floating in the blood means the cell has burst.
15:34
blood means the cell has burst.
15:34
blood means the cell has burst. >> Precisely. When a neuron dies, it
15:37
>> Precisely. When a neuron dies, it
15:37
>> Precisely. When a neuron dies, it ruptures, spilling that NFL scaffolding
15:39
ruptures, spilling that NFL scaffolding
15:39
ruptures, spilling that NFL scaffolding into the surrounding fluid, which
15:40
into the surrounding fluid, which
15:41
into the surrounding fluid, which eventually enters the bloodstream. High
15:42
eventually enters the bloodstream. High
15:42
eventually enters the bloodstream. High levels of NFL indicate active, ongoing
15:45
levels of NFL indicate active, ongoing
15:45
levels of NFL indicate active, ongoing brain cell death.
15:46
brain cell death.
15:46
brain cell death. >> And GFAP operates similarly, right? It's
15:48
>> And GFAP operates similarly, right? It's
15:49
>> And GFAP operates similarly, right? It's a structural protein in astrocytes,
15:50
a structural protein in astrocytes,
15:50
a structural protein in astrocytes, which are support cells in the brain.
15:52
which are support cells in the brain.
15:52
which are support cells in the brain. High GFE means severe neuroinflammation.
15:55
High GFE means severe neuroinflammation.
15:55
High GFE means severe neuroinflammation. >> Right. And the combination of these
15:56
>> Right. And the combination of these
15:56
>> Right. And the combination of these markers doesn't just give a yes or no
15:58
markers doesn't just give a yes or no
15:58
markers doesn't just give a yes or no diagnosis. The levels actually act as a
16:00
diagnosis. The levels actually act as a
16:00
diagnosis. The levels actually act as a biological crystal ball.
16:02
biological crystal ball.
16:02
biological crystal ball. >> A crystal ball? How so?
16:04
>> A crystal ball? How so?
16:04
>> A crystal ball? How so? >> The data showed that high NFL levels
16:06
>> The data showed that high NFL levels
16:06
>> The data showed that high NFL levels combined with low amyloid beta ratios
16:08
combined with low amyloid beta ratios
16:08
combined with low amyloid beta ratios predict how aggressively the disease
16:10
predict how aggressively the disease
16:10
predict how aggressively the disease will spread. A dog with that specific
16:12
will spread. A dog with that specific
16:12
will spread. A dog with that specific profile will decline twice as fast as a
16:14
profile will decline twice as fast as a
16:14
profile will decline twice as fast as a dog with normal ratios.
16:16
dog with normal ratios.
16:16
dog with normal ratios. >> Wow. So, that completely changes how a
16:18
>> Wow. So, that completely changes how a
16:18
>> Wow. So, that completely changes how a vet approaches the case. You don't take
16:20
vet approaches the case. You don't take
16:20
vet approaches the case. You don't take a wait-and-see approach. You immediately
16:22
a wait-and-see approach. You immediately
16:22
a wait-and-see approach. You immediately initiate aggressive interventions
16:24
initiate aggressive interventions
16:24
initiate aggressive interventions because you know the clock is ticking
16:26
because you know the clock is ticking
16:26
because you know the clock is ticking twice as fast.
16:27
twice as fast.
16:27
twice as fast. >> Exactly. And if the blood test is the
16:29
>> Exactly. And if the blood test is the
16:29
>> Exactly. And if the blood test is the check engine light,
16:30
check engine light,
16:30
check engine light, the advanced MRI scans researchers are
16:33
the advanced MRI scans researchers are
16:33
the advanced MRI scans researchers are using allow us to actually look at the
16:35
using allow us to actually look at the
16:35
using allow us to actually look at the structural wiring under the hood.
16:37
structural wiring under the hood.
16:37
structural wiring under the hood. >> Right. The 2025 study utilizing
16:39
>> Right. The 2025 study utilizing
16:39
>> Right. The 2025 study utilizing diffusion tensor imaging or DTI.
16:42
diffusion tensor imaging or DTI.
16:42
diffusion tensor imaging or DTI. >> Standard MRI scans just show the gross
16:44
>> Standard MRI scans just show the gross
16:44
>> Standard MRI scans just show the gross anatomy, you know, the shape of the
16:45
anatomy, you know, the shape of the
16:45
anatomy, you know, the shape of the brain lobes. DTI goes much deeper. It
16:48
brain lobes. DTI goes much deeper. It
16:48
brain lobes. DTI goes much deeper. It physically maps the microscopic movement
16:50
physically maps the microscopic movement
16:50
physically maps the microscopic movement of water molecules inside the white
16:52
of water molecules inside the white
16:52
of water molecules inside the white matter tracks, which are the
16:53
matter tracks, which are the
16:53
matter tracks, which are the communication cables connecting the
16:55
communication cables connecting the
16:55
communication cables connecting the brain.
16:55
brain.
16:55
brain. >> I picture the white matter tracks in a
16:57
>> I picture the white matter tracks in a
16:57
>> I picture the white matter tracks in a healthy brain like a bundle of perfectly
16:59
healthy brain like a bundle of perfectly
16:59
healthy brain like a bundle of perfectly straight, intact drinking straws.
17:02
straight, intact drinking straws.
17:02
straight, intact drinking straws. When water flows through them, it moves
17:03
When water flows through them, it moves
17:03
When water flows through them, it moves in a highly organized direction. But in
17:05
in a highly organized direction. But in
17:05
in a highly organized direction. But in a brain with dementia, it's like taking
17:07
a brain with dementia, it's like taking
17:07
a brain with dementia, it's like taking that bundle of straws, crumpling them
17:09
that bundle of straws, crumpling them
17:09
that bundle of straws, crumpling them up, and poking holes in them.
17:10
up, and poking holes in them.
17:11
up, and poking holes in them. >> That is a perfect visualization.
17:13
>> That is a perfect visualization.
17:13
>> That is a perfect visualization. The scanner actually tracks that chaotic
17:15
The scanner actually tracks that chaotic
17:15
The scanner actually tracks that chaotic water diffusion.
17:17
water diffusion.
17:17
water diffusion. They scanned 22 senior dogs and found
17:20
They scanned 22 senior dogs and found
17:20
They scanned 22 senior dogs and found this disorganized pattern heavily
17:22
this disorganized pattern heavily
17:22
this disorganized pattern heavily concentrated in two specific areas,
17:25
concentrated in two specific areas,
17:25
concentrated in two specific areas, the hippocampus and the frontal lobes.
17:27
the hippocampus and the frontal lobes.
17:27
the hippocampus and the frontal lobes. >> And the damage there perfectly explains
17:29
>> And the damage there perfectly explains
17:29
>> And the damage there perfectly explains the symptoms. The hippocampus is the
17:31
the symptoms. The hippocampus is the
17:31
the symptoms. The hippocampus is the brain's grand central station for memory
17:33
brain's grand central station for memory
17:33
brain's grand central station for memory formation and spatial navigation.
17:35
formation and spatial navigation.
17:35
formation and spatial navigation. >> Right. So, when the white matter tracks
17:36
>> Right. So, when the white matter tracks
17:36
>> Right. So, when the white matter tracks there break down, the dog literally
17:39
there break down, the dog literally
17:39
there break down, the dog literally loses the ability to map a room. That's
17:41
loses the ability to map a room. That's
17:41
loses the ability to map a room. That's why they walk into the laundry room and
17:42
why they walk into the laundry room and
17:42
why they walk into the laundry room and can't find the door.
17:43
can't find the door.
17:43
can't find the door. >> And the frontal lobes are responsible
17:45
>> And the frontal lobes are responsible
17:45
>> And the frontal lobes are responsible for complex decision-making and
17:47
for complex decision-making and
17:47
for complex decision-making and problem-solving. When those decay, the
17:49
problem-solving. When those decay, the
17:49
problem-solving. When those decay, the dog loses the ability to strategize a
17:51
dog loses the ability to strategize a
17:51
dog loses the ability to strategize a way out of a corner. They can't
17:53
way out of a corner. They can't
17:53
way out of a corner. They can't conceptualize walking backwards.
17:55
conceptualize walking backwards.
17:55
conceptualize walking backwards. >> keep pressing forward into the wall. The
17:57
>> keep pressing forward into the wall. The
17:57
>> keep pressing forward into the wall. The physical destruction dictates the
17:58
physical destruction dictates the
17:58
physical destruction dictates the behavioral failure and we're even
18:00
behavioral failure and we're even
18:00
behavioral failure and we're even mapping the root cause down to the
18:02
mapping the root cause down to the
18:02
mapping the root cause down to the genetic level.
18:03
genetic level.
18:03
genetic level. >> Yeah, that Chinese research team
18:04
>> Yeah, that Chinese research team
18:04
>> Yeah, that Chinese research team studying aging beagles, they pinpointed
18:06
studying aging beagles, they pinpointed
18:06
studying aging beagles, they pinpointed a massive communication breakdown
18:08
a massive communication breakdown
18:08
a massive communication breakdown involving the brain's immune system.
18:10
involving the brain's immune system.
18:10
involving the brain's immune system. >> Right. They looked at microglia, which
18:12
>> Right. They looked at microglia, which
18:12
>> Right. They looked at microglia, which act as the brain's garbage trucks. Their
18:13
act as the brain's garbage trucks. Their
18:13
act as the brain's garbage trucks. Their job is to find damaged cells and clear
18:15
job is to find damaged cells and clear
18:15
job is to find damaged cells and clear them
18:16
them
18:16
them >> they found a faulty interaction between
18:18
>> they found a faulty interaction between
18:18
>> they found a faulty interaction between specific proteins, microglial C1QA, and
18:21
specific proteins, microglial C1QA, and
18:21
specific proteins, microglial C1QA, and neuronal CRT signals. It causes a
18:24
neuronal CRT signals. It causes a
18:24
neuronal CRT signals. It causes a catastrophic error. Instead of targeting
18:26
catastrophic error. Instead of targeting
18:26
catastrophic error. Instead of targeting debris, the microglial garbage trucks
18:29
debris, the microglial garbage trucks
18:29
debris, the microglial garbage trucks get confused and actively attack healthy
18:31
get confused and actively attack healthy
18:31
get confused and actively attack healthy synapses.
18:32
synapses.
18:32
synapses. >> And the synapse is the gap where two
18:34
>> And the synapse is the gap where two
18:34
>> And the synapse is the gap where two neurons communicate. When the immune
18:36
neurons communicate. When the immune
18:36
neurons communicate. When the immune system destroys it, you sever the
18:38
system destroys it, you sever the
18:38
system destroys it, you sever the communication line. The thought, the
18:40
communication line. The thought, the
18:40
communication line. The thought, the command to wag the tail, it's
18:42
command to wag the tail, it's
18:42
command to wag the tail, it's intercepted and destroyed before it can
18:44
intercepted and destroyed before it can
18:44
intercepted and destroyed before it can be processed.
18:45
be processed.
18:45
be processed. >> With the immune system attacking the
18:46
>> With the immune system attacking the
18:46
>> With the immune system attacking the brain and the amyloid plaques
18:47
brain and the amyloid plaques
18:47
brain and the amyloid plaques suffocating the neurons, the timeline
18:49
suffocating the neurons, the timeline
18:49
suffocating the neurons, the timeline for this disease is just incredibly
18:51
for this disease is just incredibly
18:51
for this disease is just incredibly unforgiving.
18:52
unforgiving.
18:52
unforgiving. >> A 10-year longitudinal study tracked 120
18:55
>> A 10-year longitudinal study tracked 120
18:55
>> A 10-year longitudinal study tracked 120 senior dogs to map this out. The numbers
18:57
senior dogs to map this out. The numbers
18:57
senior dogs to map this out. The numbers are stark, but owners really need to
18:59
are stark, but owners really need to
18:59
are stark, but owners really need to understand the biological reality. 22%
19:01
understand the biological reality. 22%
19:02
understand the biological reality. 22% of dogs with mild cognitive impairment
19:03
of dogs with mild cognitive impairment
19:04
of dogs with mild cognitive impairment advanced to full severe CCD within a
19:06
advanced to full severe CCD within a
19:06
advanced to full severe CCD within a single year.
19:07
single year.
19:07
single year. >> And the progression is heavily
19:08
>> And the progression is heavily
19:09
>> And the progression is heavily age-dependent, right? Dogs over 14
19:11
age-dependent, right? Dogs over 14
19:11
age-dependent, right? Dogs over 14 decline three times faster than dogs
19:12
decline three times faster than dogs
19:12
decline three times faster than dogs between 10 and 12.
19:14
between 10 and 12.
19:14
between 10 and 12. >> Three times faster. It's an exponential
19:16
>> Three times faster. It's an exponential
19:16
>> Three times faster. It's an exponential acceleration. And the biological truth
19:18
acceleration. And the biological truth
19:18
acceleration. And the biological truth is that CCD rarely reverses. Once the
19:21
is that CCD rarely reverses. Once the
19:21
is that CCD rarely reverses. Once the neurons die and synapses are destroyed,
19:23
neurons die and synapses are destroyed,
19:23
neurons die and synapses are destroyed, the brain cannot just regrow them.
19:25
the brain cannot just regrow them.
19:25
the brain cannot just regrow them. >> Biologically, it's a one-way street. But
19:28
>> Biologically, it's a one-way street. But
19:28
>> Biologically, it's a one-way street. But the data does provide a massive beacon
19:30
the data does provide a massive beacon
19:30
the data does provide a massive beacon of hope. Early intervention
19:31
of hope. Early intervention
19:31
of hope. Early intervention significantly slows the descent.
19:33
significantly slows the descent.
19:33
significantly slows the descent. >> Oh, absolutely. Dogs in that same study
19:35
>> Oh, absolutely. Dogs in that same study
19:35
>> Oh, absolutely. Dogs in that same study who received specific diets,
19:37
who received specific diets,
19:37
who received specific diets, medications, and environmental care
19:39
medications, and environmental care
19:39
medications, and environmental care stayed in a mild manageable stage 40%
19:41
stayed in a mild manageable stage 40%
19:41
stayed in a mild manageable stage 40% longer than those who got no
19:42
longer than those who got no
19:42
longer than those who got no intervention.
19:43
intervention.
19:43
intervention. >> Extending the mild stage by 40% is
19:45
>> Extending the mild stage by 40% is
19:45
>> Extending the mild stage by 40% is monumental. That translates to months,
19:48
monumental. That translates to months,
19:48
monumental. That translates to months, potentially over a year, of good days
19:50
potentially over a year, of good days
19:50
potentially over a year, of good days and peaceful nights. So, how do we
19:52
and peaceful nights. So, how do we
19:52
and peaceful nights. So, how do we manipulate their biology to protect the
19:54
manipulate their biology to protect the
19:54
manipulate their biology to protect the healthy tissue that is left?
19:56
healthy tissue that is left?
19:56
healthy tissue that is left? >> The most immediate impactful change is
19:58
>> The most immediate impactful change is
19:58
>> The most immediate impactful change is nutritional.
19:59
nutritional.
19:59
nutritional. The brain is the most energy-demanding
20:01
The brain is the most energy-demanding
20:01
The brain is the most energy-demanding organ. For a dog with dementia, standard
20:03
organ. For a dog with dementia, standard
20:03
organ. For a dog with dementia, standard fuel no longer works. The primary
20:05
fuel no longer works. The primary
20:05
fuel no longer works. The primary intervention revolves around
20:06
intervention revolves around
20:06
intervention revolves around medium-chain triglycerides or MCT oils.
20:09
medium-chain triglycerides or MCT oils.
20:09
medium-chain triglycerides or MCT oils. >> MCT oil. It's popular in human
20:11
>> MCT oil. It's popular in human
20:11
>> MCT oil. It's popular in human nutrition, but it does something highly
20:12
nutrition, but it does something highly
20:12
nutrition, but it does something highly specific in a dog's failing brain.
20:14
specific in a dog's failing brain.
20:14
specific in a dog's failing brain. Because normally neurons use glucose as
20:16
Because normally neurons use glucose as
20:16
Because normally neurons use glucose as their primary energy source.
20:18
their primary energy source.
20:18
their primary energy source. >> Right. But one of the underlying
20:20
>> Right. But one of the underlying
20:20
>> Right. But one of the underlying pathologies of dementia is that the
20:22
pathologies of dementia is that the
20:22
pathologies of dementia is that the brain develops severe glucose
20:23
brain develops severe glucose
20:24
brain develops severe glucose impairment. It becomes almost insulin
20:25
impairment. It becomes almost insulin
20:25
impairment. It becomes almost insulin resistant. The neurons are surrounded by
20:28
resistant. The neurons are surrounded by
20:28
resistant. The neurons are surrounded by glucose in the blood, but they can't
20:30
glucose in the blood, but they can't
20:30
glucose in the blood, but they can't absorb it.
20:30
absorb it.
20:30
absorb it. >> They're starving to death in a sea of
20:32
>> They're starving to death in a sea of
20:32
>> They're starving to death in a sea of plenty. If a neuron can't absorb
20:34
plenty. If a neuron can't absorb
20:34
plenty. If a neuron can't absorb glucose, it can't generate the energy to
20:36
glucose, it can't generate the energy to
20:36
glucose, it can't generate the energy to fire a signal. But MCT oil acts as a
20:40
fire a signal. But MCT oil acts as a
20:40
fire a signal. But MCT oil acts as a metabolic bypass.
20:41
metabolic bypass.
20:41
metabolic bypass. >> Exactly. When a dog ingests MCT oil, it
20:44
>> Exactly. When a dog ingests MCT oil, it
20:44
>> Exactly. When a dog ingests MCT oil, it doesn't go through standard slow
20:46
doesn't go through standard slow
20:46
doesn't go through standard slow digestion. It routes directly to the
20:48
digestion. It routes directly to the
20:48
digestion. It routes directly to the liver, where it's rapidly converted into
20:50
liver, where it's rapidly converted into
20:50
liver, where it's rapidly converted into molecules called ketones.
20:52
molecules called ketones.
20:52
molecules called ketones. >> And ketones are small enough to cross
20:53
>> And ketones are small enough to cross
20:54
>> And ketones are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier. And more
20:55
the blood-brain barrier. And more
20:55
the blood-brain barrier. And more importantly, the starving neurons don't
20:57
importantly, the starving neurons don't
20:57
importantly, the starving neurons don't need glucose pathways to absorb them.
21:00
need glucose pathways to absorb them.
21:00
need glucose pathways to absorb them. The ketones flood the brain and provide
21:02
The ketones flood the brain and provide
21:02
The ketones flood the brain and provide an alternative emergency power grid.
21:04
an alternative emergency power grid.
21:04
an alternative emergency power grid. >> The clinical results are incredibly
21:05
>> The clinical results are incredibly
21:05
>> The clinical results are incredibly rapid. A 2025 global review showed dogs
21:08
rapid. A 2025 global review showed dogs
21:08
rapid. A 2025 global review showed dogs consuming therapeutic levels of MCTs
21:11
consuming therapeutic levels of MCTs
21:11
consuming therapeutic levels of MCTs showed measurable improvements in memory
21:12
showed measurable improvements in memory
21:12
showed measurable improvements in memory and focus within just 30 days. You're
21:15
and focus within just 30 days. You're
21:15
and focus within just 30 days. You're physically turning the lights back on.
21:16
physically turning the lights back on.
21:16
physically turning the lights back on. >> That's amazing. And the protocol usually
21:19
>> That's amazing. And the protocol usually
21:19
>> That's amazing. And the protocol usually also includes high doses of omega-3
21:21
also includes high doses of omega-3
21:21
also includes high doses of omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil to target the
21:24
fatty acids like fish oil to target the
21:24
fatty acids like fish oil to target the neuroinflammation from those GFAP
21:26
neuroinflammation from those GFAP
21:26
neuroinflammation from those GFAP proteins. Plus a compound called same,
21:28
proteins. Plus a compound called same,
21:28
proteins. Plus a compound called same, right?
21:28
right?
21:28
right? >> Yes. Same acts as a powerful antioxidant
21:31
>> Yes. Same acts as a powerful antioxidant
21:31
>> Yes. Same acts as a powerful antioxidant sweeping up the toxic oxidative stress
21:33
sweeping up the toxic oxidative stress
21:33
sweeping up the toxic oxidative stress caused by dying cells. Fuel the brain,
21:36
caused by dying cells. Fuel the brain,
21:36
caused by dying cells. Fuel the brain, reduce swelling, clean up toxins.
21:38
reduce swelling, clean up toxins.
21:38
reduce swelling, clean up toxins. >> And alongside nutrition, the medications
21:39
>> And alongside nutrition, the medications
21:40
>> And alongside nutrition, the medications have advanced. The foundational one vets
21:42
have advanced. The foundational one vets
21:42
have advanced. The foundational one vets prescribe is selegiline, which is FDA
21:44
prescribe is selegiline, which is FDA
21:44
prescribe is selegiline, which is FDA approved for CCD.
21:46
approved for CCD.
21:46
approved for CCD. >> Selegiline manipulates the chemical
21:47
>> Selegiline manipulates the chemical
21:47
>> Selegiline manipulates the chemical messengers, primarily targeting
21:49
messengers, primarily targeting
21:49
messengers, primarily targeting dopamine, which is heavily involved in
21:51
dopamine, which is heavily involved in
21:51
dopamine, which is heavily involved in motor control and cognitive processing.
21:54
motor control and cognitive processing.
21:54
motor control and cognitive processing. As the brain decays, dopamine levels
21:56
As the brain decays, dopamine levels
21:56
As the brain decays, dopamine levels plummet.
21:56
plummet.
21:56
plummet. >> So selegiline prevents the breakdown of
21:58
>> So selegiline prevents the breakdown of
21:58
>> So selegiline prevents the breakdown of dopamine, keeping higher levels active
22:00
dopamine, keeping higher levels active
22:00
dopamine, keeping higher levels active for longer. It acts as an amplifier. It
22:03
for longer. It acts as an amplifier. It
22:03
for longer. It acts as an amplifier. It doesn't repair dead neurons, but it
22:04
doesn't repair dead neurons, but it
22:04
doesn't repair dead neurons, but it forces the healthy ones to fire faster.
22:07
forces the healthy ones to fire faster.
22:07
forces the healthy ones to fire faster. >> Clinical data shows it provides
22:08
>> Clinical data shows it provides
22:08
>> Clinical data shows it provides noticeable relief for about 30% of dogs,
22:11
noticeable relief for about 30% of dogs,
22:11
noticeable relief for about 30% of dogs, significantly reducing confusion and
22:12
significantly reducing confusion and
22:12
significantly reducing confusion and night pacing.
22:14
night pacing.
22:14
night pacing. And the pipeline for future meds is
22:16
And the pipeline for future meds is
22:16
And the pipeline for future meds is where that Alzheimer's mirror really
22:17
where that Alzheimer's mirror really
22:17
where that Alzheimer's mirror really shows up.
22:18
shows up.
22:18
shows up. >> Yeah, testing human Alzheimer's drugs in
22:20
>> Yeah, testing human Alzheimer's drugs in
22:20
>> Yeah, testing human Alzheimer's drugs in dogs. Like the recent study on a
22:22
dogs. Like the recent study on a
22:22
dogs. Like the recent study on a donepezil depot injection. Donepezil
22:25
donepezil depot injection. Donepezil
22:25
donepezil depot injection. Donepezil improves acetylcholine levels, another
22:27
improves acetylcholine levels, another
22:27
improves acetylcholine levels, another vital neurotransmitter for memory.
22:28
vital neurotransmitter for memory.
22:28
vital neurotransmitter for memory. >> And the depot injection is brilliant
22:30
>> And the depot injection is brilliant
22:30
>> And the depot injection is brilliant because administering a daily pill to a
22:32
because administering a daily pill to a
22:32
because administering a daily pill to a confused dog is notoriously difficult.
22:35
confused dog is notoriously difficult.
22:35
confused dog is notoriously difficult. The injection is a single shot that
22:36
The injection is a single shot that
22:36
The injection is a single shot that slowly releases over two full weeks.
22:39
slowly releases over two full weeks.
22:39
slowly releases over two full weeks. Trials showed massive reductions in
22:41
Trials showed massive reductions in
22:41
Trials showed massive reductions in repetitive circling.
22:42
repetitive circling.
22:42
repetitive circling. >> There was also that fascinating trial
22:44
>> There was also that fascinating trial
22:44
>> There was also that fascinating trial out of Japan that tested a compound
22:46
out of Japan that tested a compound
22:46
out of Japan that tested a compound called mannac on dogs with severe
22:48
called mannac on dogs with severe
22:48
called mannac on dogs with severe decline. They set up complex physical
22:50
decline. They set up complex physical
22:50
decline. They set up complex physical mazes, and the dogs receiving mannac
22:53
mazes, and the dogs receiving mannac
22:53
mazes, and the dogs receiving mannac actually regained the cognitive
22:54
actually regained the cognitive
22:54
actually regained the cognitive plasticity to learn new paths with zero
22:56
plasticity to learn new paths with zero
22:57
plasticity to learn new paths with zero side effects.
22:57
side effects.
22:58
side effects. >> We are really moving toward reality
22:59
>> We are really moving toward reality
22:59
>> We are really moving toward reality where CCD is treated as a manageable
23:01
where CCD is treated as a manageable
23:01
where CCD is treated as a manageable chronic condition, like diabetes.
23:03
chronic condition, like diabetes.
23:04
chronic condition, like diabetes. But while trials run their course,
23:05
But while trials run their course,
23:05
But while trials run their course, owners have to manage the physical
23:06
owners have to manage the physical
23:06
owners have to manage the physical reality right now.
23:08
reality right now.
23:08
reality right now. >> Yeah.
23:08
>> Yeah.
23:08
>> Yeah. >> Meds treat the internal architecture,
23:10
>> Meds treat the internal architecture,
23:10
>> Meds treat the internal architecture, but environmental modifications treat
23:12
but environmental modifications treat
23:12
but environmental modifications treat the external reality.
23:13
the external reality.
23:13
the external reality. >> Right. And the absolute golden rule of
23:15
>> Right. And the absolute golden rule of
23:15
>> Right. And the absolute golden rule of home modification is that a dog with CCD
23:17
home modification is that a dog with CCD
23:17
home modification is that a dog with CCD can no longer rely on memory. So, they
23:19
can no longer rely on memory. So, they
23:19
can no longer rely on memory. So, they must rely on strict external timers.
23:22
must rely on strict external timers.
23:22
must rely on strict external timers. Routine replaces memory.
23:23
Routine replaces memory.
23:24
Routine replaces memory. >> If their internal clock is shattered,
23:25
>> If their internal clock is shattered,
23:25
>> If their internal clock is shattered, you have to provide the structure.
23:27
you have to provide the structure.
23:27
you have to provide the structure. Breakfast at 7:00 a.m.
23:29
Breakfast at 7:00 a.m.
23:29
Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. Walk at exactly 2.0 p.m.
23:32
Walk at exactly 2.0 p.m.
23:32
Walk at exactly 2.0 p.m. Dinner at 6.0 p.m. The predictability
23:35
Dinner at 6.0 p.m. The predictability
23:35
Dinner at 6.0 p.m. The predictability makes them feel safe. If you feed them 2
23:37
makes them feel safe. If you feed them 2
23:37
makes them feel safe. If you feed them 2 hours late, their anxiety spikes because
23:40
hours late, their anxiety spikes because
23:40
hours late, their anxiety spikes because their tether to reality just vanished.
23:42
their tether to reality just vanished.
23:42
their tether to reality just vanished. >> And you have to physically safeguard the
23:44
>> And you have to physically safeguard the
23:44
>> And you have to physically safeguard the house. We talked about frontal lobe
23:46
house. We talked about frontal lobe
23:46
house. We talked about frontal lobe damage destroying risk assessment. A dog
23:48
damage destroying risk assessment. A dog
23:48
damage destroying risk assessment. A dog that has navigated stairs for 10 years
23:50
that has navigated stairs for 10 years
23:50
that has navigated stairs for 10 years will suddenly walk right off a second
23:52
will suddenly walk right off a second
23:52
will suddenly walk right off a second floor landing because they don't
23:53
floor landing because they don't
23:53
floor landing because they don't recognize the drop.
23:54
recognize the drop.
23:54
recognize the drop. >> Installing baby gates at the top and
23:56
>> Installing baby gates at the top and
23:56
>> Installing baby gates at the top and bottom of every staircase is totally
23:58
bottom of every staircase is totally
23:58
bottom of every staircase is totally mandatory.
23:59
mandatory.
23:59
mandatory. Another crucial modification is traction
24:01
Another crucial modification is traction
24:01
Another crucial modification is traction mats over slippery surfaces.
24:03
mats over slippery surfaces.
24:03
mats over slippery surfaces. >> Right, because when a dog with dementia
24:04
>> Right, because when a dog with dementia
24:04
>> Right, because when a dog with dementia slips, they don't just casually recover.
24:06
slips, they don't just casually recover.
24:06
slips, they don't just casually recover. The sudden loss of physical control
24:08
The sudden loss of physical control
24:08
The sudden loss of physical control triggers a massive panic response. The
24:10
triggers a massive panic response. The
24:10
triggers a massive panic response. The traction mats give them a grounding
24:12
traction mats give them a grounding
24:12
traction mats give them a grounding grip.
24:12
grip.
24:12
grip. >> And lighting is a vital tool.
24:15
>> And lighting is a vital tool.
24:15
>> And lighting is a vital tool. Nightlights in every hallway, near their
24:16
Nightlights in every hallway, near their
24:16
Nightlights in every hallway, near their bed, above the water bowl. When they
24:18
bed, above the water bowl. When they
24:18
bed, above the water bowl. When they wake up disoriented, the light directs
24:20
wake up disoriented, the light directs
24:20
wake up disoriented, the light directs them to resources. Combining these
24:22
them to resources. Combining these
24:22
them to resources. Combining these hacks, timers, gates, mats, lighting,
24:24
hacks, timers, gates, mats, lighting,
24:24
hacks, timers, gates, mats, lighting, can reduce severe anxiety symptoms by up
24:26
can reduce severe anxiety symptoms by up
24:26
can reduce severe anxiety symptoms by up to 70%.
24:27
to 70%.
24:27
to 70%. >> You're aggressively adapting the house
24:29
>> You're aggressively adapting the house
24:29
>> You're aggressively adapting the house to fit their broken brain. But even with
24:31
to fit their broken brain. But even with
24:31
to fit their broken brain. But even with perfect daytime optimization, biology
24:33
perfect daytime optimization, biology
24:33
perfect daytime optimization, biology throws a massive curveball the second
24:35
throws a massive curveball the second
24:35
throws a massive curveball the second the sun goes down. Twilight triggers the
24:38
the sun goes down. Twilight triggers the
24:38
the sun goes down. Twilight triggers the most exhausting phase of this disease.
24:40
most exhausting phase of this disease.
24:40
most exhausting phase of this disease. >> Sundowner syndrome.
24:41
>> Sundowner syndrome.
24:42
>> Sundowner syndrome. It breaks both the dog and the owner.
24:44
It breaks both the dog and the owner.
24:44
It breaks both the dog and the owner. To understand why they panic at night,
24:46
To understand why they panic at night,
24:46
To understand why they panic at night, we look at a region deep in the brain
24:47
we look at a region deep in the brain
24:47
we look at a region deep in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
24:50
called the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
24:50
called the suprachiasmatic nucleus. >> The suprachiasmatic nucleus acts as the
24:52
>> The suprachiasmatic nucleus acts as the
24:52
>> The suprachiasmatic nucleus acts as the master conductor of the circadian
24:54
master conductor of the circadian
24:54
master conductor of the circadian rhythm. In a healthy dog, light signals
24:56
rhythm. In a healthy dog, light signals
24:56
rhythm. In a healthy dog, light signals the nucleus to suppress melatonin and
24:58
the nucleus to suppress melatonin and
24:58
the nucleus to suppress melatonin and stay awake. As light fades, it signals
25:00
stay awake. As light fades, it signals
25:01
stay awake. As light fades, it signals the pineal gland to release melatonin,
25:03
the pineal gland to release melatonin,
25:03
the pineal gland to release melatonin, walking the brain into sleep.
25:04
walking the brain into sleep.
25:04
walking the brain into sleep. >> But in a dog with dementia,
25:06
>> But in a dog with dementia,
25:06
>> But in a dog with dementia, neurodegeneration destroys the cells
25:08
neurodegeneration destroys the cells
25:08
neurodegeneration destroys the cells inside that nucleus. The conductor
25:10
inside that nucleus. The conductor
25:10
inside that nucleus. The conductor leaves the orchestra. As twilight sets
25:12
leaves the orchestra. As twilight sets
25:12
leaves the orchestra. As twilight sets in, aging eyes send weak mixed signals
25:14
in, aging eyes send weak mixed signals
25:14
in, aging eyes send weak mixed signals to a damaged nucleus. The brain panics.
25:16
to a damaged nucleus. The brain panics.
25:17
to a damaged nucleus. The brain panics. It doesn't know if it should sleep,
25:18
It doesn't know if it should sleep,
25:18
It doesn't know if it should sleep, hunt, or flee.
25:19
hunt, or flee.
25:19
hunt, or flee. >> So, they sleep 20 hours during the day
25:21
>> So, they sleep 20 hours during the day
25:21
>> So, they sleep 20 hours during the day and bolt awake at midnight, trapped in a
25:22
and bolt awake at midnight, trapped in a
25:22
and bolt awake at midnight, trapped in a state of neurological hyperarousal. And
25:25
state of neurological hyperarousal. And
25:25
state of neurological hyperarousal. And you cannot train a dog out of
25:26
you cannot train a dog out of
25:26
you cannot train a dog out of sundowning.
25:27
sundowning.
25:27
sundowning. >> No.
25:28
>> No.
25:28
>> No. You have to use chemical intervention.
25:30
You have to use chemical intervention.
25:30
You have to use chemical intervention. The first line of defense is a heavy
25:32
The first line of defense is a heavy
25:32
The first line of defense is a heavy dose of melatonin, given 1 to 2 hours
25:34
dose of melatonin, given 1 to 2 hours
25:34
dose of melatonin, given 1 to 2 hours before bed.
25:36
before bed.
25:36
before bed. You're flooding the system with a sleep
25:37
You're flooding the system with a sleep
25:37
You're flooding the system with a sleep form on the brain can't produce.
25:39
form on the brain can't produce.
25:39
form on the brain can't produce. >> But for severe cases, melatonin isn't
25:41
>> But for severe cases, melatonin isn't
25:41
>> But for severe cases, melatonin isn't enough. Dogs will scream for 8 hours
25:44
enough. Dogs will scream for 8 hours
25:44
enough. Dogs will scream for 8 hours straight, wearing their paw pads raw
25:46
straight, wearing their paw pads raw
25:46
straight, wearing their paw pads raw from pacing. Vets prescribe
25:48
from pacing. Vets prescribe
25:48
from pacing. Vets prescribe heavy-hitting anxiety meds like
25:50
heavy-hitting anxiety meds like
25:50
heavy-hitting anxiety meds like trazodone or gabapentin for that, right?
25:53
trazodone or gabapentin for that, right?
25:53
trazodone or gabapentin for that, right? >> Yes. These drugs actively interrupt the
25:55
>> Yes. These drugs actively interrupt the
25:55
>> Yes. These drugs actively interrupt the neurological panic spirals. A combo of
25:57
neurological panic spirals. A combo of
25:57
neurological panic spirals. A combo of melatonin and trazodone has been shown
25:59
melatonin and trazodone has been shown
25:59
melatonin and trazodone has been shown to stop 90% of severe sundowning
26:02
to stop 90% of severe sundowning
26:02
to stop 90% of severe sundowning episodes within just 3 days.
26:04
episodes within just 3 days.
26:04
episodes within just 3 days. >> And you combine those meds with a
26:06
>> And you combine those meds with a
26:06
>> And you combine those meds with a rigidly enforced bedroom routine. Move
26:08
rigidly enforced bedroom routine. Move
26:08
rigidly enforced bedroom routine. Move the bed to a quiet corner, away from
26:10
the bed to a quiet corner, away from
26:10
the bed to a quiet corner, away from windows, so passing headlights don't
26:12
windows, so passing headlights don't
26:12
windows, so passing headlights don't trigger them.
26:13
trigger them.
26:13
trigger them. >> And the bed needs to be an olfactory
26:14
>> And the bed needs to be an olfactory
26:14
>> And the bed needs to be an olfactory safe zone.
26:16
safe zone.
26:16
safe zone. As vision degrades, smell remains their
26:18
As vision degrades, smell remains their
26:18
As vision degrades, smell remains their strongest anchor.
26:19
strongest anchor.
26:19
strongest anchor. Take a t-shirt you've worn all day and
26:21
Take a t-shirt you've worn all day and
26:21
Take a t-shirt you've worn all day and place it on their bed. Your scent tells
26:23
place it on their bed. Your scent tells
26:23
place it on their bed. Your scent tells them they're with their pack.
26:24
them they're with their pack.
26:24
them they're with their pack. >> Add blackout curtains. Turn on a white
26:26
>> Add blackout curtains. Turn on a white
26:26
>> Add blackout curtains. Turn on a white noise machine to drown out ambient
26:27
noise machine to drown out ambient
26:27
noise machine to drown out ambient sounds. Take them out for a strict potty
26:29
sounds. Take them out for a strict potty
26:29
sounds. Take them out for a strict potty break at 10:00 p.m. And then, the slow
26:32
break at 10:00 p.m. And then, the slow
26:32
break at 10:00 p.m. And then, the slow dimming.
26:32
dimming.
26:32
dimming. >> Right, because the sudden flip of a
26:34
>> Right, because the sudden flip of a
26:34
>> Right, because the sudden flip of a light switch is incredibly jarring to
26:36
light switch is incredibly jarring to
26:36
light switch is incredibly jarring to their broken suprachiasmatic nucleus.
26:39
their broken suprachiasmatic nucleus.
26:39
their broken suprachiasmatic nucleus. Over 10 to 15 minutes, slowly dim the
26:41
Over 10 to 15 minutes, slowly dim the
26:42
Over 10 to 15 minutes, slowly dim the lamps to manually recreate the natural
26:44
lamps to manually recreate the natural
26:44
lamps to manually recreate the natural sunset.
26:44
sunset.
26:45
sunset. >> When you execute that perfectly, you can
26:46
>> When you execute that perfectly, you can
26:46
>> When you execute that perfectly, you can drastically reduce nighttime chaos. But
26:49
drastically reduce nighttime chaos. But
26:49
drastically reduce nighttime chaos. But managing this spreadsheet of care is
26:51
managing this spreadsheet of care is
26:51
managing this spreadsheet of care is relentless. The 7:00 a.m. breakfast, MCT
26:54
relentless. The 7:00 a.m. breakfast, MCT
26:54
relentless. The 7:00 a.m. breakfast, MCT oil, meds, traction mats, dimming
26:56
oil, meds, traction mats, dimming
26:56
oil, meds, traction mats, dimming lights, and still getting woken up at
26:58
lights, and still getting woken up at
26:58
lights, and still getting woken up at 3:00 a.m.
26:59
3:00 a.m.
26:59
3:00 a.m. >> The psychological toll on the owner, the
27:01
>> The psychological toll on the owner, the
27:01
>> The psychological toll on the owner, the caregiver emotional fatigue, is massive.
27:04
caregiver emotional fatigue, is massive.
27:04
caregiver emotional fatigue, is massive. It's rarely talked about with the
27:05
It's rarely talked about with the
27:05
It's rarely talked about with the honesty it deserves. It destroys an
27:07
honesty it deserves. It destroys an
27:07
honesty it deserves. It destroys an owner's mental health. The dog loses
27:09
owner's mental health. The dog loses
27:09
owner's mental health. The dog loses peace, the owner loses sleep.
27:11
peace, the owner loses sleep.
27:11
peace, the owner loses sleep. >> It becomes a vicious cycle of
27:13
>> It becomes a vicious cycle of
27:13
>> It becomes a vicious cycle of exhaustion. You really have to
27:14
exhaustion. You really have to
27:14
exhaustion. You really have to internalize that when your dog screams
27:16
internalize that when your dog screams
27:16
internalize that when your dog screams at night or pees on the floor, it is not
27:18
at night or pees on the floor, it is not
27:19
at night or pees on the floor, it is not behavioral defiance. It is a biological
27:21
behavioral defiance. It is a biological
27:21
behavioral defiance. It is a biological disease.
27:22
disease.
27:22
disease. >> That's easy to rationalize
27:23
>> That's easy to rationalize
27:23
>> That's easy to rationalize intellectually, but when it's 4:00 a.m.
27:25
intellectually, but when it's 4:00 a.m.
27:25
intellectually, but when it's 4:00 a.m. and the dog you've loved for 12 years
27:27
and the dog you've loved for 12 years
27:27
and the dog you've loved for 12 years looks at you with total blankness or
27:29
looks at you with total blankness or
27:29
looks at you with total blankness or looks terrified of you, it hurts. The
27:31
looks terrified of you, it hurts. The
27:31
looks terrified of you, it hurts. The grief of them forgetting you while they
27:32
grief of them forgetting you while they
27:32
grief of them forgetting you while they are still physically right there is
27:34
are still physically right there is
27:34
are still physically right there is devastating.
27:34
devastating.
27:34
devastating. >> Exactly. It's incredibly difficult not
27:36
>> Exactly. It's incredibly difficult not
27:36
>> Exactly. It's incredibly difficult not to take that loss of connection
27:37
to take that loss of connection
27:37
to take that loss of connection personally.
27:38
personally.
27:38
personally. >> Which is exactly why leaning into the
27:40
>> Which is exactly why leaning into the
27:40
>> Which is exactly why leaning into the rigid routines protects your own
27:41
rigid routines protects your own
27:42
rigid routines protects your own emotional energy.
27:43
emotional energy.
27:43
emotional energy. If you follow the clock, you remove the
27:45
If you follow the clock, you remove the
27:45
If you follow the clock, you remove the emotional burden of constantly trying to
27:47
emotional burden of constantly trying to
27:47
emotional burden of constantly trying to guess what they need.
27:48
guess what they need.
27:48
guess what they need. You don't have to analyze their blank
27:50
You don't have to analyze their blank
27:50
You don't have to analyze their blank stare, you just follow the routine.
27:52
stare, you just follow the routine.
27:52
stare, you just follow the routine. >> It requires a fundamental shift in
27:53
>> It requires a fundamental shift in
27:53
>> It requires a fundamental shift in expectations. You have to accept you are
27:56
expectations. You have to accept you are
27:56
expectations. You have to accept you are fighting a losing battle against
27:57
fighting a losing battle against
27:57
fighting a losing battle against biology. The goal is comfort, not a
28:00
biology. The goal is comfort, not a
28:00
biology. The goal is comfort, not a cure. The moment an owner shifts
28:02
cure. The moment an owner shifts
28:02
cure. The moment an owner shifts entirely to managing comfort, a massive
28:05
entirely to managing comfort, a massive
28:05
entirely to managing comfort, a massive amount of pressure evaporates.
28:06
amount of pressure evaporates.
28:06
amount of pressure evaporates. >> And it allows the owner to prioritize
28:08
>> And it allows the owner to prioritize
28:08
>> And it allows the owner to prioritize their own rest without guilt.
28:10
their own rest without guilt.
28:10
their own rest without guilt. Using heavy meds like trazodone isn't
28:12
Using heavy meds like trazodone isn't
28:12
Using heavy meds like trazodone isn't just for the dog, it's a survival
28:14
just for the dog, it's a survival
28:14
just for the dog, it's a survival strategy for the owner. If the dog
28:16
strategy for the owner. If the dog
28:16
strategy for the owner. If the dog sleeps, you sleep. Caregiver burnout
28:18
sleeps, you sleep. Caregiver burnout
28:18
sleeps, you sleep. Caregiver burnout helps absolutely no one.
28:20
helps absolutely no one.
28:20
helps absolutely no one. >> Eventually though, despite perfect
28:21
>> Eventually though, despite perfect
28:21
>> Eventually though, despite perfect routines and meds, biology wins. This
28:24
routines and meds, biology wins. This
28:24
routines and meds, biology wins. This forces owners to confront the heaviest
28:26
forces owners to confront the heaviest
28:26
forces owners to confront the heaviest question: How do you measure quality of
28:28
question: How do you measure quality of
28:28
question: How do you measure quality of life in a dog whose mind is unraveling?
28:30
life in a dog whose mind is unraveling?
28:30
life in a dog whose mind is unraveling? How do you know when it's time to say
28:31
How do you know when it's time to say
28:31
How do you know when it's time to say goodbye?
28:32
goodbye?
28:32
goodbye? >> Owners agonize over, can they still feel
28:34
>> Owners agonize over, can they still feel
28:34
>> Owners agonize over, can they still feel joy if they don't know who I am? The
28:37
joy if they don't know who I am? The
28:37
joy if they don't know who I am? The profound truth is that dementia destroys
28:39
profound truth is that dementia destroys
28:39
profound truth is that dementia destroys memory, not emotion.
28:41
memory, not emotion.
28:41
memory, not emotion. They might forget you 5 minutes later,
28:43
They might forget you 5 minutes later,
28:43
They might forget you 5 minutes later, but in the exact moment you're petting
28:45
but in the exact moment you're petting
28:45
but in the exact moment you're petting them, they feel safe.
28:47
them, they feel safe.
28:47
them, they feel safe. If they their tail for chicken, they are
28:49
If they their tail for chicken, they are
28:49
If they their tail for chicken, they are experiencing genuine present tense joy.
28:52
experiencing genuine present tense joy.
28:52
experiencing genuine present tense joy. >> To quantify that, vets recommend the
28:54
>> To quantify that, vets recommend the
28:54
>> To quantify that, vets recommend the three good things rule. You objectively
28:56
three good things rule. You objectively
28:56
three good things rule. You objectively count three moments during the day where
28:58
count three moments during the day where
28:58
count three moments during the day where the dog is relaxed or happy. Maybe they
29:00
the dog is relaxed or happy. Maybe they
29:00
the dog is relaxed or happy. Maybe they sunbathed for 20 minutes. If you run out
29:03
sunbathed for 20 minutes. If you run out
29:03
sunbathed for 20 minutes. If you run out of good moments for three consecutive
29:04
of good moments for three consecutive
29:04
of good moments for three consecutive days, it's time to make the call.
29:06
days, it's time to make the call.
29:06
days, it's time to make the call. >> It's an objective metric, but we also
29:08
>> It's an objective metric, but we also
29:08
>> It's an objective metric, but we also have to evaluate physical red flags.
29:10
have to evaluate physical red flags.
29:10
have to evaluate physical red flags. >> Mhm.
29:10
>> Mhm.
29:11
>> Mhm. >> Often, the mind checks out while the
29:12
>> Often, the mind checks out while the
29:12
>> Often, the mind checks out while the body is still functioning, leading to a
29:14
body is still functioning, leading to a
29:14
body is still functioning, leading to a state where the dog is merely existing,
29:16
state where the dog is merely existing,
29:16
state where the dog is merely existing, not living.
29:17
not living.
29:17
not living. >> Right. Like a complete loss of bladder
29:18
>> Right. Like a complete loss of bladder
29:18
>> Right. Like a complete loss of bladder control, lying in their own urine
29:20
control, lying in their own urine
29:20
control, lying in their own urine without caring, refusing all food for 48
29:23
without caring, refusing all food for 48
29:23
without caring, refusing all food for 48 hours, the onset of cluster seizures,
29:25
hours, the onset of cluster seizures,
29:25
hours, the onset of cluster seizures, inability to stand, constant trembling.
29:28
inability to stand, constant trembling.
29:28
inability to stand, constant trembling. >> You can use the CAD scale for
29:29
>> You can use the CAD scale for
29:29
>> You can use the CAD scale for end-of-life assessment, too.
29:31
end-of-life assessment, too.
29:31
end-of-life assessment, too. If the score drops below 20, indicating
29:33
If the score drops below 20, indicating
29:34
If the score drops below 20, indicating they can no longer eat independently or
29:36
they can no longer eat independently or
29:36
they can no longer eat independently or walk without falling, the disease has
29:38
walk without falling, the disease has
29:38
walk without falling, the disease has won.
29:39
won.
29:39
won. Keeping them alive is prolonging agony
29:42
Keeping them alive is prolonging agony
29:42
Keeping them alive is prolonging agony out of guilt.
29:42
out of guilt.
29:43
out of guilt. >> Dogs die from their bodies failing, not
29:45
>> Dogs die from their bodies failing, not
29:45
>> Dogs die from their bodies failing, not from their minds forgetting. Allowing a
29:47
from their minds forgetting. Allowing a
29:47
from their minds forgetting. Allowing a dog to remain trapped in a state of
29:48
dog to remain trapped in a state of
29:48
dog to remain trapped in a state of constant neurological terror is not an
29:50
constant neurological terror is not an
29:51
constant neurological terror is not an act of love. The final act of love is
29:53
act of love. The final act of love is
29:53
act of love. The final act of love is taking the burden of suffering off the
29:54
taking the burden of suffering off the
29:54
taking the burden of suffering off the dog and placing the burden of grief on
29:57
dog and placing the burden of grief on
29:57
dog and placing the burden of grief on your own shoulders.
29:58
your own shoulders.
29:58
your own shoulders. >> And whenever possible, in-home
30:00
>> And whenever possible, in-home
30:00
>> And whenever possible, in-home euthanasia is the kindest path.
30:03
euthanasia is the kindest path.
30:03
euthanasia is the kindest path. Transporting a deeply confused dog to a
30:04
Transporting a deeply confused dog to a
30:05
Transporting a deeply confused dog to a sterile clinic can induce absolute
30:06
sterile clinic can induce absolute
30:07
sterile clinic can induce absolute terror. At home, they can pass in their
30:09
terror. At home, they can pass in their
30:09
terror. At home, they can pass in their own bed, wrapped in your scent.
30:11
own bed, wrapped in your scent.
30:11
own bed, wrapped in your scent. >> There's a bittersweet piece of advice
30:12
>> There's a bittersweet piece of advice
30:12
>> There's a bittersweet piece of advice regarding those final hours. Feed them
30:14
regarding those final hours. Feed them
30:14
regarding those final hours. Feed them chocolate. Give them the one thing they
30:16
chocolate. Give them the one thing they
30:16
chocolate. Give them the one thing they were never allowed to have. The toxicity
30:18
were never allowed to have. The toxicity
30:18
were never allowed to have. The toxicity doesn't matter anymore. The intense
30:20
doesn't matter anymore. The intense
30:20
doesn't matter anymore. The intense flavor will only bring them joy. You
30:21
flavor will only bring them joy. You
30:21
flavor will only bring them joy. You gave them a great life. Now you give
30:23
gave them a great life. Now you give
30:23
gave them a great life. Now you give them a great death.
30:24
them a great death.
30:24
them a great death. >> And as we watch scientists map the decay
30:26
>> And as we watch scientists map the decay
30:26
>> And as we watch scientists map the decay of the canine brain, we are looking at a
30:28
of the canine brain, we are looking at a
30:28
of the canine brain, we are looking at a perfect mirror of human Alzheimer's.
30:31
perfect mirror of human Alzheimer's.
30:31
perfect mirror of human Alzheimer's. The dogs whose decline we manage with
30:33
The dogs whose decline we manage with
30:33
The dogs whose decline we manage with such dedication are providing the exact
30:35
such dedication are providing the exact
30:35
such dedication are providing the exact data needed to understand
30:36
data needed to understand
30:36
data needed to understand neurodegeneration.
30:38
neurodegeneration.
30:38
neurodegeneration. By walking our best friends to the end
30:39
By walking our best friends to the end
30:39
By walking our best friends to the end of their journey, we are linking the
30:41
of their journey, we are linking the
30:41
of their journey, we are linking the fate of our two species. The research
30:43
fate of our two species. The research
30:43
fate of our two species. The research from their failing minds might be the
30:45
from their failing minds might be the
30:45
from their failing minds might be the exact key to saving human minds in the
30:47
exact key to saving human minds in the
30:47
exact key to saving human minds in the future.
30:48
future.
30:48
future. >> Thank you for listening, dear
30:49
>> Thank you for listening, dear
30:49
>> Thank you for listening, dear brigadiers. And if you have any
30:50
brigadiers. And if you have any
30:50
brigadiers. And if you have any questions, visit the source article on
30:52
questions, visit the source article on
30:52
questions, visit the source article on Dog Agility Magazine at dogagility.com.
30:55
Dog Agility Magazine at dogagility.com.
30:55
Dog Agility Magazine at dogagility.com. That was all for this episode, and until
30:57
That was all for this episode, and until
30:57
That was all for this episode, and until the next time, bye to all listeners of
30:59
the next time, bye to all listeners of
30:59
the next time, bye to all listeners of the Bark Brigade podcast.