Effects of a Nutritional Supplement on Cognitive Function in Aged Dogs and on Synaptic Function of Primary Cultured Neurons

SIMPLE SUMMARY: We tested the effects of a nutraceutical product, DiSenior(TM), by spatial navigation test and by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results showed that DiSenior(TM) was safe and able to ameliorate cognitive functions in aged dogs, as demonstrated by the better performances in the treated with respect the untreated groups. The increase of cFOS, a functional marker of activity in cultured neurons, indicated a positive effect of the substance on neuronal functions. The study suggests that DiSenior(TM) can improve the quality of life of elderly dogs and may slow the onset of cognitive dysfunction symptoms associated with aging. ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to investigate the efficacy of DìSenior(TM), a nutraceutical formulated to improve cognitive functions in elderly dogs. To this purpose, some clinical and metabolic investigations and a spatial navigation test were performed in treated and untreated dogs. Moreover, the nutraceutical was also tested on primary hippocampal neuron cultures. Results showed no adverse effects on the dogs’ health and a positive effect on learning. In vitro effects on neuron cultures showed an increase in the level of cFOS in treated neurons compared with the vehicle, suggesting that DiSenior(TM) has also a positive effect on neuronal functions. Overall, this study suggests that DiSenior(TM) can exert a beneficial effect on aged dogs by preventing the negative effects of aging on cognition. Further studies are needed to assess the mechanisms by which it acts on neurons and the specific effect of the different components alone or combined.