How a dog’s IQ could offer clues to dementia

Just like people, some dogs take longer to learn new tricks than others. But new research suggests that this should not come as a surprise; a dog’s intelligence is structurally comparable to that of humans and can be measured in a similar way.

The researchers say dogs’ IQ could aid a better understanding of the link between health and intelligence in humans, as well as help us learn more about dementia.

Given that dogs experience some key features of dementia, the study authors say understanding the cognitive abilities of “man’s best friend” may help us understand what causes the disease in humans.