After having cared for your furry pal throughout their life, you are likely heartbroken to see them confused and disoriented, especially if they fail to recognize you, their constant companion. As a pet ages, cognitive dysfunction can set in, causing your four-legged friend to experience a decline in mental capabilities. While this condition is not preventable, you can help maintain your senior pet’s brain health, especially if you take early action. Learn how to identify and manage your senior pet’s cognitive dysfunction by reading our Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill team’s guide to this common condition.

Cognitive dysfunction prevalence in pets

A pet’s cognitive dysfunction is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people. Your cat or dog can develop cognitive decline as they age. 

Cognitive dysfunction’s vague signs can be attributed to many medical issues and chronic diseases that appear later in a pet’s life, making an accurate diagnosis difficult. Because making a definitive cognitive dysfunction diagnosis can be challenging, the disorder’s exact prevalence is unknown. However, studies have concluded that a pet’s cognitive dysfunction risk rises sharply as an animal ages. One study found that roughly 50% of dogs had cognitive dysfunction by age 13, while 80% showed signs after 17 years of age. By the time cats reach 11 years of age, about 28% of them have developed at least one behavioral change related to cognitive dysfunction, a number that jumps to 50% by age 15.

Cognitive dysfunction causes in pets

Although pets’ exact cognitive dysfunction cause is unknown, researchers have found a potential link. Studies have shown that beta-amyloid protein deposits, similar to those in the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, play a role in a pet’s cognitive dysfunction development. This protein decreases nerve signaling within the brain.

In addition to having abnormal protein deposits, a senior pet normally experiences changes that cause their brain to atrophy. As the aging brain’s cells naturally die, the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, responsible for learning, memory, and coordination, are affected most.

Cognitive dysfunction signs in pets

Traditionally, the acronym DISHAA has been used to classify cognitive dysfunction’s signs. However, two other categories have been added: learning and memory, and excessive vocalization. While learning and memory alterations are easier to observe in dogs, excessive vocalization is a more common disease indicator in cats. Consider how your furry pal’s cognitive dysfunction can manifest:

  • Disorientation — A disoriented or confused pet fails to recognize familiar people or places, is no longer able to navigate their home, or goes to the wrong side of the door when it opens.
  • Interactions — If your four-legged friend has cognitive dysfunction, they may not want to spend time with the family, and they may hide rather than interact. Interactions between your household pets may also change, becoming tense and uncomfortable. 
  • Sleep-wake cycles — A pet with cognitive dysfunction is more often awake at night, and snoozes more during the day.
  • House soiling — A senior pet suffering from impaired cognitive function will commonly urinate and defecate inappropriately inside your home and outside the litter box.
  • Activity levels — Your furry pal will appear lethargic, and spend much of their time resting. However, they may become much more active at night.
  • Anxiety — Anxiety is a common cognitive dysfunction sign, as confusion and disorientation lead to stress. Your pet may pace, pant, tremble, or cling to you.
  • Learning and memory — Your affected four-legged friend may struggle to learn new skills, and often forgets old ones. They may also forget where their food and water are located, or how to get outside.
  • Vocalization — Cats in particular are prone to meowing or yowling when they experience cognitive decline, with excessive vocalization commonly occurring at night.

Cognitive dysfunction diagnosis in pets

A cognitive dysfunction diagnosis is one of exclusion. Our Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill team must first rule out conditions that cause signs similar to brain impairment before making a definitive diagnosis regarding your furry pal’s disease. For example, if your elderly cat begins urinating outside the litter box, we will assess them for kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and osteoarthritis. Depending on your pet’s signs, our team may perform the following diagnostic tests:

  • Routine blood work
  • Thyroid testing
  • Urinalysis
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasound
  • Advanced imaging (i.e., magnetic resonance imaging [MR]I, computed tomography [CT])

Cognitive dysfunction treatments for pets

Although no cure exists for cognitive dysfunction, our Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill team can manage the condition’s signs and slow its progression. If your pet has been diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction, they may benefit from:

  • Mental stimulation — Senior citizens often tackle crossword puzzles to keep their minds sharp, and you should provide your pet with brain games to do the same. To provide your furry pal with plenty of mental stimulation, brush up on obedience skills, try teaching new tricks, enroll in a training class, or simply spend time exploring the world around you.
  • Physical activity — Include your four-legged friend in your family’s physical activities such as hiking or playing catch in the yard. This is a great way to strengthen your pet-owner bond. Adequate physical activity also keeps your pet’s muscles and joints strong, while encouraging proper elimination and sleep-wake cycles.
  • Dietary changes — Incorporating more fatty acids and antioxidants into your pet’s diet can support their brain function, as can the addition of selenium, flavonoids, carotenoids, carnitine, and various vitamins and minerals.
  • Medication — Medication to combat canine cognitive dysfunction is available, as are drugs to help alleviate pet anxiety.
  • A set schedule — By sticking to a set schedule, you help reduce your furry pal’s anxiety. In addition, keeping to a routine helps your pet maintain proper sleep-wake cycles and bathroom habits.

Cognitive dysfunction is a progressive condition, but through early diagnosis and intervention, you can help keep your senior pet’s mind sharp well into their golden years. If your furry pal seems confused, has flip-flopped their sleep-wake cycles, or simply paces constantly, they may have cognitive dysfunction. Schedule an appointment to discuss your senior pet’s behavior changes with our Sixes Animal Hospital at BridgeMill team.