犬の認知機能低下症診断ガイドラインを開発(Researchers Develop Guidelines for Diagnosing, Monitoring Canine Cognitive Decline)

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2026-01-05 ノースカロライナ州立大学(NC State)

ノースカロライナ州立大学の研究チームは、**犬の認知機能低下(Canine Cognitive Dysfunction:CCD)**を診断・モニタリングするための包括的なガイドラインを策定した。CCDは高齢犬に多くみられ、記憶障害や行動変化を伴い、人のアルツハイマー病に類似した特徴を持つが、評価方法が統一されていなかった。研究者らは、行動評価、飼い主への質問票、神経学的検査、活動量データなどを統合的に用いる多面的アプローチを提案し、早期発見と経時的追跡を可能にする枠組みを示した。これにより、治療効果の客観的評価や介入時期の最適化が期待される。さらに、犬をモデルとした認知老化研究は、人の神経変性疾患理解にも貢献し得るとして、獣医学と人医学をつなぐ研究基盤としての意義も強調されている。

<関連情報>

犬認知機能障害症候群ワーキンググループによる犬認知機能障害症候群の診断とモニタリングに関するガイドライン The Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Working Group guidelines for diagnosis and monitoring of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome

Natasha J. Olby VetMB, PhD, DACVIM,Joseph A. Araujo BSc,Margaret E. Gruen DVM, PhD, DACVB,Phillipa Johnson BVSc, MSc, DECVDI,Eniko Kubinyi PhD,Gary Landsberg DVM, DACVB,Caitlin S. Latimer MD, PhD,Stephanie McGrath DVM, DACVIM,Brennen McKenzie VMD,Julie A. Moreno PhD,Monica Tarantino DVM, andHolger Volk DVM, PhD, DECVN,…
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association  Published:24 Dec 2025
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.10.0668

犬の認知機能低下症診断ガイドラインを開発(Researchers Develop Guidelines for Diagnosing, Monitoring Canine Cognitive Decline)

Abstract

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) is diagnosed with increasing frequency, yet standardized diagnostic guidelines are lacking. The CCDS Working Group, an international group combining experts in the field and primary care veterinarians, proposes a definition of the syndrome and practical diagnostic criteria designed to aid clinicians and researchers alike. Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is defined as a chronic, progressive, age-associated neurodegenerative syndrome, characterized by cognitive and behavioral changes that affect daily life to varying degrees. These changes affect the behavioral domains of disorientation, social interaction, sleep disruption, house soiling, learning and memory, activity changes, and anxiety (DISHAA). We propose 3 severity stages. In mild CCDS, signs are subtle and of low frequency or severity, with preserved function. With progression, behavioral changes become more apparent and impactful, requiring management adjustments. In severe CCDS, debilitating deficits are overt, significantly impairing basic functions and necessitating comprehensive support. Two diagnostic levels are proposed. Level 1 is based on consistent history of progressive DISHAA signs, identification of alternate causes through physical, orthopedic, and neurologic examination and laboratory work; either normal neurologic examination or evidence of symmetrical, diffuse forebrain dysfunction; and persistence of signs following management of relevant comorbidities. Level 2 includes a brain MRI showing cortical atrophy with CSF cell counts within normal limits. Definitive postmortem histopathological confirmation rests on cortical atrophy, amyloid deposition, myelin loss, neuroinflammation, and amyloid angiopathy. Future priorities include the development of blood biomarkers and cognitive testing batteries for routine clinical settings, both of which will refine diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic monitoring.

医療・健康
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