Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Question
My 13.5 yr old lab (Bruin) has CDS. He has been through all medical testing about his symptoms and has come out the other end extremely healthy, no issues. I am able to find a lot of internet advice on this topic as it relates to diagnosing and medications that may help. But my questions is more about how I can help him (and me) be happier living with the syndrome (not how to treat it with drugs, we are exploring that with my Vet). So here goes it ... He stares at nothing, sometimes barks at nothing, wanders aimlessly at night, and sometime appears lost in the house or yard. During the day he is his usual happy, playful, self, eats normal, acts normal.  Symptoms seem to arise at night. The behavior that most bothers us is his night time pacing. We now keep him in our room with the door shut (it's carpeted, the rest of the house has hardwood, and the clickty clop of 20 nails on the floors drives us batty). The only way to calm him is to bring him in bed with us and pet, pet, pet. Then he sleeps. If we ignore him, he just paces the room for 1-2 hours before settling. He isn't asking to come up on the bed, he wonders aimlessly around the room (or the house if we leave the door open). Sleeping with him (70lbs) and my husband in a queen sized bed is not a sustainable situation. SO, my question is this ... under normal circumstances I would use behavior modification teq's (ex: ignore the pacing or remove him from the bedroom as soon as he starts roaming), but I am not sure in this case he would understand/get it. I'm not sure given his state of mind, that normal dog shaping/training would work in this case, or if it's even worth it - is it better to just help make him comfortable in dealing with his confusion (bring him into bed to calm him)? If sleeping with him is better (as it may lessen the stress for him), than fine, I will - maybe I sleep in the guest room with him for the time being - I know that may create some tension between my husband and I - but at least the 3 of us will get some sleep finally! He'll understand. My question is to resist and train OR give in to get sleep and lessen stress! Thank you for your time and advice! -Kim

Answer
This is not a question I have a lot of help for. Has the vet checked his vision?  Sometimes it goes adding to the problems.  Hearing too.

You might try restraining him in the bedroom.  Usually I suggest a crate for a younger dog.  At his age, a tie down, a simple length of chain with a snap, and perhaps anchored to the bed so you are close.  

I am sorry I don't have a better answer.  It is tough having a dog age.  I think the old Lab we had may have lost some mental function too.  Off leash, I had to keep a close eye on her, or she would wonder off and not come back.