Just like people, dogs and cats can develop dementia as they age
Difficulty sleeping at night, reduced interaction with owners, and signs of confusion or anxiety are often considered “normal” signs of aging in pets. However, these behaviors may be signs of dementia.
Dr. Joel White, an assistant clinical professor in the College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University, shared his insights on the university’s official website to help pet owners better understand changes in their pets’ behavior and learn how to care for animalssuffering from dementia.
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Signs of Dementia in Dogs and Cats
Dementia in dogs and cats—the natural degeneration of the brain often referred to as cognitive dysfunction— develops when changes in the brain affect the way pets think, learn, and remember.
In dogs, symptoms of dementia can appear as early as age 8, with about 10% of dogs of this age being affected. “The prevalence increases steadily with age, reaching about 80% in dogs over 18 years old,” White said.
In cats, symptoms usually appear around 10 years of age, with a corresponding age-related increase in prevalence; more than half of cats over 15 years of age exhibit symptoms consistent with dementia.
“As veterinary medicine advances, many dogs and cats are living longer than in the past, which increases the likelihood of this disease occurring,” said White. “In addition, we have become more aware of this disease and are likely better able to recognize and diagnose it.”
Signs That Should Raise a Red Flag
- Wandering without a specific destination
- Relieving themselves indoors
- Difficulty passing through doorways or navigating stairs
- Changes in hearing or responsiveness
- More vocalizations than usual
Because these changes can overlap with other conditions, it’s easy to mistake them, according to White. “An animal’s difficulty climbing stairs may lead an owner to think the pet has arthritis, while accidents in the house (urinating or defecating indoors) may be a sign of a urinary tract infection or kidney disease,” he said.
While dogs and cats may exhibit similar symptoms, cats also tend to groom themselves excessively, creating bald spots. “Cats are excellent at hiding their illness from their owners and veterinarians, which can make diagnosing them more difficult,” White said.
Older cats also often develop other conditions, especially hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. This can cause changes in behavior and activity that may resemble signs of dementia, making an accurate diagnosis even more important.
How Easy Is Diagnosis in the Doctor’s Office? — The Techniques
The professor notes that—at least in the U.S.—when dementia is suspected, vets use questionnaires based on owners’ observations of their pets’ behavior to identify cognitive impairment. The more symptoms a pet exhibits, the more likely it is that the disease is contributing to these changes.
“A comprehensive history is the most valuable tool in diagnosing dementia in pets,” says White.
Veterinarians may also perform blood tests, in conjunction with physical and neurological examinations, to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of dementia.
The most definitive way to evaluate a pet for dementia-related changes in the brain is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, an MRI requires anesthesia and can be expensive.
What Care Do Pets with Dementia Need?
Although there is no cure for dementia, changes to a pet’s daily routine and environment can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
Regular exercise—such as walks on a leash and ball games for dogs, or food puzzles and interactive toys for cats — can help pets stay physically active and mentally engaged.
“This can be a challenge when a pet has other health issues, such as severe arthritis,” according to White.
“Many owners find creative alternatives to keep their senior pets active. For example, swimming can be an option for older pets, while gentle movement in a bathtub or time outdoors in strollers, carriers, or backpacks can provide activity for smaller ones.”
Regular, quality time with pets also contributes to their well-being. For pets with dementia, it’s important that their environment be safe and predictable, as sudden changes can cause anxiety. It’s a good idea to “baby-proof” the home with protective corners on furniture, and it’s best to avoid rearranging the furniture—especially pieces that the pet has “mapped out” over the years—to a different location.
How Diet Can Help Cats and Dogs with Dementia
Foods rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and antioxidants, such as vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, may help improve clinical symptoms. While commercial foods containing these ingredients are available for dogs, similar options have not been developed for cats.
When lifestyle and diet aren’t enough, medication may be considered as an option, and a veterinarian can help in such cases.
Keeping the Bond Strong During Difficult Times
For many owners, the hardest part of caring for a pet with dementia is staying patient as the disease progresses. Watching a beloved pet struggle can be heartbreaking, and it’s normal to feel frustrated at times.
“It can be easy to forget that your pet isn’t choosing to cause problems, such as waking you up at night or having an accident on the carpet, especially when these things happen repeatedly,” said White. In those moments, remember to keep your frustration in check and that your pet isn’t doing its business there on purpose.
Dementia can change certain aspects of life with an aging pet, but patience, compassion, and quality time can help owners continue to make the most of the years they have together.
Source: in,gr
