Reverse Mental Aging in Dogs
Study Shows Antioxidants May Restore Brain Function in Older Canines
According to a recent study by researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute undertaken the University of California/Berkely, Oregon State University, University of Toronto and Children's Hospital Research Institute, the combination of two common antioxidant compounds may significantly slow the mitochondrial decay in cells - allowing older dogs to function mentally at a higher level.
Researchers employed combinations of acetyl-l-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid in their tests with impressive results, as published in September 2007 in the FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology).
Results of the Study
The researchers chose older beagles that were similar in physical aspects and applied a series of food and treat-related tasks. The dogs were taught to identify certain ‘markers’ (colored pegs, various scents, etc.) in order to receive the treat. The success rate of the dogs who received the supplement combination was 80% compared to only 50% for the untreated group, indicating a marked improvement in mental acuity.
Tory Hagen, Associate Professor from Oregon State, said, “The prospects for cognitive improvement from use of these supplements is both fascinating and exciting.” He spoke about previous studies with combinations of these supplements in mice that had been shown to improve both memory and activity levels. Hagen reported, “now we’re seeing that animals receiving supplements are much more readily able to learn new things as well, even at an advanced age.”
Scientists from Oregon State University submitted that when these supplements are used in a long-term part of the diet, they “may be effective in attenuating age-associated cognitive decline by slowing the rate of mitochondrial decay and cellular aging.”
What Does this Mean for Your Dog?
While there is no commercially-available dog food on the market today that includes a combination of these supplements, it’s fair to say such a product could be produced and marketed soon. Or you could try dosing your pet at home under the guidance of your vet.
The recent study has not indicated a combination dosage level of these two antioxidants that could be used by dog owners. Contact your veterinarian and ask him/her to suggest a custom combination of acetyl-l-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid for your dog, based upon weight, breed and age.
All dog lovers want to provide the best life possible for their pooch, and hopefully avoid stages of declining mental function towards lifetime's end. Armed with this new nutritional knowledge, dog owners should be excited to learn there may soon be a way to not only prolong their best friend’s energy level, but to provide a higher quality of life for a longer period.
Older Dogs
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