Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Mushrooms and Adaptogens for Dog Dementia

If your senior dog is pacing at night, getting stuck in corners, acting restless, or staring blankly at walls or water bowls, you’re not alone. These signs can point to a condition known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD)—sometimes referred to as dog dementia. It’s more common than many pet parents realize, and like in humans, cognitive decline in dogs can gradually affect memory, behavior, sleep patterns, and quality of life.

Miss Daisie and the Lesson That Changed Everything

I saw it firsthand in one of my beloved senior rescues, Miss Daisie. At 14 years old, she began showing subtle signs of Canine Cognitive Decline (CCD)—also known as dog dementia. She would seem confused or disoriented, especially at night. But the moment that truly shook me was when I watched her walk up to her water bowl, stand over it… and just stare. She didn’t drink. She walked away, only to come back a few minutes later and do the same thing—lost in a fog I couldn’t pull her out of.

At first, I chalked it up to the quirks of old age. But my partner gently pointed out how similar it was to what his father experienced in the later stages of Alzheimer’s—when even basic actions like eating or drinking no longer registered. That realization hit me hard.

I realized I had spent years helping my senior dogs feel better physically—managing their pain, skin issues, and even seizures—but I hadn’t been giving their brains the support they needed to truly thrive. Without nourishing the mind, I couldn’t bring them back into balance. I had been missing a critical piece of the healing process.

Functional Mushrooms and Herbs for Canine Cognitive Support

When I began researching ways to support dogs showing signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)—commonly known as dog dementia—I focused on natural ingredients known for their ability to stimulate neurogenesis, repair neurons, protect against neuroinflammation, and enhance memory and cognition. Over time, I found that combining these ingredients can create a powerful, synergistic effect—especially when each one is sourced properly and extracted for maximum bioavailability.

Here are five of the most effective natural ingredients I recommend looking for when supporting your aging dog’s brain:

• Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus)
  One of the most researched mushrooms for brain health, Lion’s Mane stimulates Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), helping to repair and regenerate neurons in the brain. Studies have shown it can improve memory, recognition, and overall cognitive function in aging animals, while slowing neurodegenerative processes linked to dementia and Alzheimer’s [1][2].
• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
  Traditionally used to promote longevity and balance the nervous system, Reishi contains triterpenes and polysaccharides that have been shown to reduce neuroinflammation, modulate immune activity, and protect brain cells from oxidative damage. It’s also naturally calming, making it helpful for dogs who pace, vocalize, or appear restless at night [3].
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris/sinensis)
  Cordyceps supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy, helping improve oxygen utilization throughout the body—including the brain. In senior dogs, this can help restore energy, mental clarity, and responsiveness, especially if they’ve been showing signs of lethargy or neurological fatigue [4].
• Bacopa monnieri
  A staple in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, Bacopa is backed by modern research for its ability to enhance memory, learning, and synaptic communication. It supports neurotransmitter activity in the brain and helps aging dogs stay mentally engaged, especially those experiencing confusion or disorientation [5].
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  A deeply nourishing adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps regulate cortisol and calm the nervous system. But more importantly, it’s been shown to stimulate axon and dendrite regeneration, support brain plasticity, and counteract neurodegeneration. That’s why ashwagandha is one of my go-to ingredients when supporting dog dementia and age-related cognitive decline. [6].

These functional mushrooms and adaptogens offer a powerful, natural way to support senior dogs with dementia or cognitive decline—working together to promote brain health, mental clarity, and a deeper emotional connection.

What to Look for in a Mushroom Supplement for Dog Dementia

Not all mushroom products are created equally. When choosing mushrooms for senior dogs or dogs with CCD, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, quality matters. 

Here’s what I always look for when choosing mushroom supplements for dogs:

• Made with the fruiting body, not mycelium, to ensure maximum potency and bioavailability
• Grown on their natural substrates, never grain, oats, or other fillers that dilute medicinal compounds
• Dual extracted using both hot water and alcohol (with alcohol fully removed before bottling) to capture the full spectrum of beneficial compounds
• Preserved with pet-safe ingredients like organic vegetable glycerin
• Free from synthetic preservatives, additives, or isolates
• Backed by third-party testing, with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing no mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, harmful bacteria, or residual solvents
  

These standards ensure a clean, effective extract that truly honors the full power of the mushroom—something I insist on for every dog in my care.

Natural Support for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: How to Search

If you’re just beginning your journey to support your dog’s cognitive health, here are some helpful search terms to guide your research:

• mushrooms & adaptogens for senior dogs
• mushroom extract blend for dogs cognitive support
• lions mane reishi cordyceps ashwagandha for dogs

Whether your dog is just beginning to show signs of confusion or has been diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction, there are natural tools that can help. With the right blend of properly sourced functional mushrooms and adaptogens, we can give our senior dogs the support they need to stay mentally present, emotionally connected, and joyful in the time they have with us.

 

References

1. Mori K, et al. Nerve growth factor-inducing activity of Hericium erinaceus in vitro and its effect on cognitive function. Phytother Res. 2009.
2. Saitsu K, et al. Neuroregenerative potential of Hericium erinaceus in aged animals. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2021.
3. Zhou Y, et al. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides and triterpenes protect against neuroinflammation. Neurochem Int. 2018.
4. Das SK, et al. Cordyceps and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Phytother Res. 2010.
5. Stough C, et al. Bacopa monnieri improves memory performance in elderly subjects. Psychopharmacology. 2008.
6. Kuboyama T, et al. Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by Withania somnifera. Br J Pharmacol. 2005.

 

About Angela Ardolino

Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.