Abstract
Simple SummaryWe tested the effects of a nutraceutical product, DiSeniorTM, by spatial navigation test and by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results showed that DiSeniorTM was safe and able to ameliorate cognitive functions in aged dogs, as demonstrated by the better performances in the treated with respect the untreated groups. The increase of cFOS, a functional marker of activity in cultured neurons, indicated a positive effect of the substance on neuronal functions. The study suggests that DiSeniorTM can improve the quality of life of elderly dogs and may slow the onset of cognitive dysfunction symptoms associated with aging.The objective of this research was to investigate the efficacy of DìSeniorTM, a nutraceutical formulated to improve cognitive functions in elderly dogs. To this purpose, some clinical and metabolic investigations and a spatial navigation test were performed in treated and untreated dogs. Moreover, the nutraceutical was also tested on primary hippocampal neuron cultures. Results showed no adverse effects on the dogs’ health and a positive effect on learning. In vitro effects on neuron cultures showed an increase in the level of cFOS in treated neurons compared with the vehicle, suggesting that DiSeniorTM has also a positive effect on neuronal functions. Overall, this study suggests that DiSeniorTM can exert a beneficial effect on aged dogs by preventing the negative effects of aging on cognition. Further studies are needed to assess the mechanisms by which it acts on neurons and the specific effect of the different components alone or combined.
Highlights
The life expectancy of dogs has significantly increased in recent years, mainly thanks to the progress made by veterinary medicine as well as to improvements in nutrition, elimination of many infectious diseases, better hygiene and, above all, a higher attention to the needs of the elderly patients
Clinical scores where superimposable at the time 0 (SG = 10.13 vs placebo group (PG) = 10.94, respectively), but a difference was detected at the end of the supplement administration (SG = 8.81 vs PG = 12.55, respectively)
All haematological and biochemical parameters fall in the normal range for adult dogs and no statistical differences emerged between groups and no time effect was recorded (Table 1)
Summary
The life expectancy of dogs has significantly increased in recent years, mainly thanks to the progress made by veterinary medicine as well as to improvements in nutrition, elimination of many infectious diseases, better hygiene and, above all, a higher attention to the needs of the elderly patients. For these reasons, an increasing prevalence of a canine geriatric population has occurred, and, in addition to predictable pathologies linked to the aging (heart and kidney failure, osteoarthrosis, neoplastic diseases), a significant increase in so-called “behavioural disorders” has been registered. Compared to middle-aged dogs, the aged dogs showed a worsening of performance in learning, memory, reversal learning in different cognitive tests [4,5,6,7]
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