Study of NOVIFIT~R (NoviSAMe~R) Tablets' effect in aged dogs and cats

摘要

Tests for assessing cognitive function have been available for dogs since 1994. Using objects and locations to evaluate cognitive abilities (such as memory, learning, and attention) makes it possible to identify cognitive differences and objectivelymeasure response to therapy. Now those tests have been adjusted for use in cats. In an object discrimination learning test, the dog or cat must learn that a particular object of a set of two objects is alwavs the correct choice; by displacing the correctobject (pushing it aside), a food reward is obtained. This represents basic learning. Then in reversal learning, the previously correct object is no longer rewarded, and the previously incorrect object is. This test is a measure of executive junction, which is defined as a set of mental processes that help connect past experience with present action, necessary for goal-directed behavior. Executive function also includes the ability to change behavior or adapt to changing situations. This ability of ananimal to alter a previously learned response has been shown to be impaired by age.