The Effects of Antioxidants and Experience on the Development of Age Dependent Cognitive Dysfunction and Neuropathology in Canines
Abstract
Progression of individual rates of age-dependent cognitive dysfunction and the potential for antioxidants and environmental enrichment to slow the rate of decline are being evaluated over a 3-year span in beagle dogs. The study started with dogs between the ages of 9 and 13 years. Dogs underwent baseline screening of cognitive function and general health evaluation including clinical pathology and physical examinations. Magnetic resonance image scans (MRIs) are being used to obtain in vivo measures of brain and cerebrovascular function. Each dog has been placed into one of four groups counterbalanced with respect to cognitive ability, sex, and age: 1) control, 2) enriched environment, 3) dietary enrichment, and 4) combined dietary and environmental enrichment. A broad spectrum of antioxidants is added for dietary enrichment. The environmental enrichment condition consists of additional cognitive experience and enriched sensory environment. Cognitive function, physical health, and brain MRIs are being monitored yearly to establish ongoing effects of the treatment We now demonstrate significant improvements in learning and memory, particularly in animals receiving the combined treatment In addition, we provide the first evidence that cognitive function can be maintained in treated animals, and hippocampal atrophy, measured by MRI volumetric analysis, has been slowed in animals receiving either or both of the interventions. We have now begun the neurobiological studies proposed for the study and are currently measuring the extent of beta-amyloid deposition and several endpoint markers of oxidative damage. Neuroanatomical endpoint measures, once collected, will be correlated with cognitive function and MRI measures of brain atrophy and cerebrovascular function to establish the effectiveness of the treatments on delaying or preventing the development of age%dependent neuropathologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA410295
Entities
People
- Bruce A. Muggenburg
- Elizabeth Head
Organizations
- Lovelace Foundation