New guidelines standardize diagnosis of canine dementia

New expert guidelines are giving veterinarians a more standardized way to diagnose and monitor canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or CCDS, a progressive age-related neurodegenerative condition often described as canine dementia. The recommendations, developed by an international working group led by North Carolina State University neurologist Dr. Natasha Olby and published in JAVMA, define CCDS around the DISHAA domains of behavior change, outline a two-level diagnostic framework, and introduce a three-stage severity system for ongoing monitoring. Level 1 relies on history, caregiver questionnaires, physical and neurologic exams, and testing to rule out other causes, while Level 2 adds brain MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis for cases needing greater diagnostic certainty. The group also recommends starting routine screening for cognitive decline at age 7 and using formal CCDS scales every 6 months beginning at age 10. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the biggest shift is consistency. Until now, CCDS has often been approached as a diagnosis of exclusion without widely accepted criteria, even as most U.S. veterinarians report encountering it in practice. A 2025 survey of 318 veterinarians found nearly all had diagnosed CCDS at some point, but responses also showed uncertainty around best practices and treatment efficacy. Standardized criteria could help primary care teams identify cases earlier, document progression more clearly, distinguish dementia from pain, sensory decline, renal disease, or intracranial disease, and set more realistic expectations with pet parents. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

What to watch: Next up is implementation, including an AKC Canine Health Foundation online resource hub and future work on blood biomarkers and practical cognitive testing tools that could make CCDS diagnosis more precise in general practice. (akcchf.org)