Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a roughly 40-minute assessment called CANID (cognitive assessment for neuropsychological impairments in dogs) to catch the hidden signs of cognitive decline earlier in dogs.
The study involved three simple tasks that measure memory and behavioral flexibility. CANID can detect subtle cognitive impairment in dogs when they are about seven or eight years old—well before the overt signs of dementia appear at around 12 to 14 years of age.
Source: University of Arizona, October 22, 2026. Link. Also: Vet Practice, November 2, 2026. Link. The results also showed there is just one trajectory of cognitive decline in dogs which makes small dog breeds more likely to experience decline.
The test isn’t something owners can run at home, said Stephanie Hargrave, MA. It requires trained staff and specialized equipment. But it helps scientists study large numbers of pet dogs and understand what keeps aging brains healthy, which could eventually inform preventative and therapeutic strategies for pet owners.
INSIGHTS: The study was recently published in the journal Animal Cognition <Link> and described by Bioengeer.org on October 12th <Link>.
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