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Epilepsy, the Gut and the Ageing Brain
Speaker:
Holger A. Volk, DVM, PhD, PGCAP, DECVN
Event date: 24 May 2023 Lausanne, Switzerland
Canine epilepsy and cognitive dysfunction are the most common chronic neurological conditions seen in first opinion veterinary practices. Cognitive dysfunction can be seen frequently in elderly pets, but also in dogs with epilepsy. Despite its frequency in occurrence, many treatments fail to consistently reduce clinical signs.
In recent years, research has focused on exploring the role of nutrition and its interplay with the gut microbiome and central nervous system (CNS) in these two conditions. Previous research focused mainly on describing deficiencies and how they can lead to CNS impairment and accelerate brain ageing or epilepsy. Now, however, the focus has shifted to how the addition of specific nutrients, manipulation of diet, and editing of the gut microbiome can improve CNS function and prevent neural damage.
This presentation discusses dietary management strategies to improve brain health, slow brain ageing, and help nutritionally manage neurologic and cognitive disorders in dogs (since research in cats is lacking).