Relationship between engagement with the impossible task, cognitive testing, and cognitive questionnaires in a population of aging dogs

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the engagement of aging dogs with a cognitively challenging and potentially frustrating task (the impossible task). Based on previous observations, we predicted that dogs showing signs of cognitive impairment in other cognitive tests and owner-completed questionnaires would show reduced engagement with the task.MethodsIn this task, dogs were shown a piece of food in a clear container that they could not open; time spent interacting with the container and the experimenter was measured. While the impossible task has not been used as a measure of frustration, the parameters of the test design creates a potential frustrate state, making this assessment appropriate. Thirty-two dogs enrolled in a longitudinal aging study participated in the study. Owners were asked to complete two cognitive dysfunction screening questionnaires (Canine Dementia Scale [CADES] and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale [CCDR]) as well a questionnaire assessing general frustration. Dogs participated in multiple measures of cognitive function as well the impossible task.ResultsLatency to disengage from the impossible task was faster for dogs with higher total (more impaired) CADES (p = 0.02) and total CCDR (p = 0.04) scores. Latency to disengage also correlated with decreased performance in cognitive tests observing social cues (p = 0.01), working memory (p ≤ 0.001), spatial reasoning and reversal learning (p = 0.02), and sustained attention (p = 0.02).DiscussionThe high correlation with several cognitive measures and the ease of administration of this test makes it a useful tool in evaluating canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, however it is unclear if increased frustration or other cognitive processes are contributing to the observed changes.

Development and validation of a sleep questionnaire, SNoRE 3.0, to evaluate sleep in companion dogs

“…CADES is used in veterinary medicine to detect behavioral signs compatible with CCDS which is characterized by changes in the sleep–wakefulness cycle among other behavioral alterations such as disorientation, changes in house soiling behavior and social interaction, anxiety, learning and memory impairment 37 . This questionnaire has been validated using biomarkers of neurodegeneration 69 , 70 and with performance in cognitive tests 20 , 71 . Although the sleep–wakefulness aspect is taken into consideration in this questionnaire, the specific subscale consists of only two questions, “How often does your dog have abnormal behavior at night (waking up, wandering, vocalizing)” and “How often does your dog have difficulty falling asleep or sleeping excessively” 37 .…”

Comparing standard screening questionnaires of canine behavior for assessment of cognitive dysfunction

“…Furthermore, behavioral testing, like the Delayed Non-Matching to Position Test or the Practical Cognitive Test, has been used to detect cognitive impairment ( 32 ) in laboratory settings ( 27 , 33 , 34 ), but the use in a clinical setting is not established so far ( 10 ). More recent studies suggest that combining owner-based screening questionnaires with cognitive testing and assessment of concentration of the biomarker plasma neurofilament light-chain (pNfL) may help to reliably detect CCD in a clinical setting as well ( 35 , 36 ).…”