Dogs with dementia also have sleep problems, finds study

Humans with condition can have disturbed sleep, and similar symptoms in dogs indicate cognitive decline is under wayFrom loud snores to twitching paws, dogs often appear to have a penchant for a good snooze. But researchers have said elderly canines with dementia appear to spend less time slumbering than those with healthy brains – mirroring patterns seen in humans.It has long been known that people withdementia can experience sleep problems, including finding it harder to get to sleep. Researchers have also found changes in the brainwaves of people with dementia during sleep – including decreased slow brain waves that occur during non-rapid eye movement deep sleep. These are important inmemory consolidation and appear to be linked to the activity of the brain ’s system for clearing away waste.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: UK news Dogs Dementia Animals Life and style Mental health Pets Society Medical research Science Source Type: news