Dogs are currently surviving longer than ever because to improved nutrition, the environment, and veterinary treatment, much like humans. Because of this, a significant number of dogs, frequently referred to as senior dogs, experience cognitive impairment and memory loss. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is incredibly common. In a research conducted by the University of California, Davis, 28% of dogs between the ages of 11 and 12 and 68% of canines between the ages of 15 and 16 exhibited one or more symptoms of cognitive impairment. Caretakers might believe that behavioural changes are a result of natural ageing, and veterinarians might not be aware of the symptoms, which leads to an under-diagnosis of CDS.

The brain is the most complex organ in the body, and as it ages, certain changes occur, such as:

1. Oxidative/nitrosative stress
2. Neuroinflammation
3. Decline in acetylcholine (ACh) level
4. Decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity
5. Increase in butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity
6. Decrease in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)
7. Increase in N-methyl-v-aspartate (NMDA) receptors
8. Micro­ vascular changes

The ability of plant extracts to suppress cholinesterase (ChE) has long been known. The two most typical examples of such plants are physostigmine from Physostigma venenosum (Calabar bean) and galantamine from Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop). Plants high in essential oils, which are also known to have an anti-ChE property, have historically been utilised to improve memory in humans and to treat CDS in small animals. Cognition impairment has also been improved by nutraceuticals of non-plant sources.