Diet and Lifestyle Changes Can Help Protect Aging Canine Brains
Author Information
Author(s): Snigdha Shikha, Nicole Berchtold, Giuseppe Astarita, Tommy Saing, Daniele Piomelli, Carl W. Cotman
Primary Institution: University of California Irvine
Hypothesis
Can dietary and behavioral interventions reduce caspase activation and ceramide accumulation in the aged canine brain?
Conclusion
Lifestyle interventions can reduce harmful caspase activation in the brains of aged dogs, potentially improving cognitive function.
Supporting Evidence
- Long-term dietary and behavioral interventions improved cognitive performance in aged canines.
- Interventions significantly reduced levels of activated caspase-3 in the frontal cortex.
- Behavioral enrichment alone reduced ceramide levels in the aged canine brain.
- Reduction in caspase-3 activation correlated with improved cognitive function.
Takeaway
Feeding dogs healthy food and keeping them active can help their brains stay healthy as they get older.
Methodology
Aged beagles were divided into four treatment groups and underwent dietary and behavioral interventions for 2.8 years, followed by analysis of brain tissue for caspase activation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in treatment group assignment based on cognitive ability.
Limitations
The study was limited to a specific breed and age range of dogs, which may not generalize to all canines.
Participant Demographics
24 beagles aged 8.05 to 12.35 years, 12 males and 12 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website