In Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which change in daily rhythms may occur?

In Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which change in daily rhythms may occur?

• A. Disruptions in sleep/wake cycles
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Weight gain
• D. Nighttime noise intolerance

Answer: (A)

Disruptions in sleep/wake cycles reflect changes to the dog’s circadian rhythm, which CDS commonly affects. In canine cognitive dysfunction, the day-night pattern often becomes fragmented or reversed—dogs may be more awake and restless at night and sleep more during the day. This nighttime disturbance, sometimes called sundowning, is a hallmark of CDS and directly ties to daily rhythm changes. Appetite or weight changes can occur with aging or health issues but don’t describe the characteristic shift in daily activity and rest. Nighttime noise intolerance isn’t a core daily-rhythm change of CDS, whereas the sleep/wake disruption best captures how the condition alters daily routines.

Disruptions in sleep/wake cycles reflect changes to the dog’s circadian rhythm, which CDS commonly affects. In canine cognitive dysfunction, the day-night pattern often becomes fragmented or reversed—dogs may be more awake and restless at night and sleep more during the day. This nighttime disturbance, sometimes called sundowning, is a hallmark of CDS and directly ties to daily rhythm changes. Appetite or weight changes can occur with aging or health issues but don’t describe the characteristic shift in daily activity and rest. Nighttime noise intolerance isn’t a core daily-rhythm change of CDS, whereas the sleep/wake disruption best captures how the condition alters daily routines.