A recent study showed that a diet rich in antioxidants combined with a stimulating environment slowed the development of the signs of canine brain aging.

The study, led by William Milgram of the University of Toronto, found that while both the fortified diet alone and the enriched environment alone were helpful in preventing decline, the dogs who received both performed better on cognitive tests and were more likely to learn new tasks than the dogs in the other three groups.

Scientists suspect that antioxidants might reduce free radical damage to neurons in the brain, which they believe is involved in age-associated learning and memory problems.

To identify canine brain aging behavior changes, look for one of the following warnings signs: disorientation, interaction changes, sleep pattern changes, and house soiling. If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, speak with your veterinarian.

"Your senior dog should get a complete physical examination and blood and urine collected to rule out medical causes of behavior change such as kidney disease, endocrine disease such as diabetes and Cushing's Disease, and cancer," says Dr. Sandy Wright DVM, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. If the tests are normal, ask about nutrition and activities that can help slow the progress of brain aging.