Dogs???
Why is there a menu tab called Dogs? Because Dogs Get Alzheimer’s Too was too long a title to put on a tab.
What??? You didn’t know that your dog can be plagued by a form of Alzheimer’s disease.
Yes, it is called Canine Cognititive Dysfunction Syndrome. Oh, and while we are on this topic, it happens to your cats too. So, while I am in the process of gathering some additional info, I will be talking a little about both dogs and cats on this page.
Dogs
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common age-related disease in dogs that affects the brain, causing deterioration similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
Dogs may start to develop CDS around nine years of age, or older. The condition may be underdiagnosed since the behavioral changes progress slowly, and owners may assume that some changes are a normal part of aging.
- Disorientation: Dogs may get lost in familiar places, get stuck in corners or be found staring into space.
- House-soiling: Dogs may have accidents in the house or forget to let you know that they need to go out.
- Sleep-wake cycles: Dogs may sleep restlessly, wake up at night, or sleep more during the day.
- Interaction: Dogs may be less interested in petting, greeting people, or interacting with other pets or they could be very clingy.
- Activity: Dogs may be less active and explore less. They may be restless, pacing.
Early intervention with environmental enrichment, diet and medical management can improve the quality of life for dogs affected by CDS.
Cats
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), also known as feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), is a condition that causes age-related cognitive decline in cats. It’s similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans and can cause behavioral changes such as:
- Disorientation: Cats may be disoriented in space or time.
- House-soiling: Cats may have accidents in the house or forget where the litter box is.
- Vocalization: Cats may vocalize more or in a more urgent tone.
- Sleep-wake cycles: Cats may sleep restlessly, wake up at night, or sleep more during the day.
- Interaction: Cats may be less interested in petting, greeting people, or interacting with other pets.
- Activity: Cats may be less active and explore less.
The main goal of managing CDS is to improve quality of life and delay the condition’s progression. This can be done through a combination of: environmental enrichment, dietary modification, pain management, and cognitive function support.
Some supplements that may help with CDS include: Antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e)
Links to learn more about Dogzheimers or Dog Dementia
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Article
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction: Understanding Cognitive Decline in Aging Cats
As cats live longer, healthier lives, age-related conditions are becoming more common—one of the most overlooked being Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FCD). Often compared to dementia in humans, this condition affects a cat’s memory, learning, awareness, and behavior. Recognizing the signs early can help improve quality of life for both cats and their caregivers.
What Is Feline Cognitive Dysfunction?
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction is a neurodegenerative condition that typically affects senior cats, usually over the age of 10–12 years. It involves changes in the brain, including neuron loss, reduced blood flow, and the buildup of abnormal proteins. These changes impair normal brain function, leading to noticeable behavioral and cognitive decline.
Common Signs and Symptoms
FCD symptoms can be subtle at first and are often mistaken for normal aging. Veterinarians sometimes use the acronym DISHA to describe the most common categories:
- Disorientation: Cats may appear confused, get stuck in corners, or seem lost in familiar spaces.
- Interaction changes: Increased clinginess or, conversely, withdrawal from people and other pets.
- Sleep-wake cycle disruption: Restlessness at night, excessive daytime sleeping, or vocalizing during odd hours.
- House soiling: Forgetting litter box habits despite no underlying medical cause.
- Activity level changes: Reduced interest in play or grooming; sometimes repetitive behaviors like pacing.Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of FCD isn’t fully understood, but several age-related changes in the brain are known contributors:
- Accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins (similar to human Alzheimer’s disease)
- Decreased neurotransmitter activity
- Oxidative stress and inflammation
- Reduced cerebral blood flow
Risk increases with age, though not al senior cats will develop the condition.
Diagnosis
There is no single test for FCD. Diagnosis is typically made by:
- Reviewing behavioral history
- Ruling out other medical conditions (such as thyroid disease, kidney disease, arthritis, or vision/hearing loss)
- Performing bloodwork and possibly imagingough veterinary exam is essential.
Because many symptoms overlap with other illnesses, a thorough veterinary exam is essential.
Treatment and Management
While there is no cure, several strategies can help slow progression and improve your cat’s comfort:
1. Environmental Enrichment
- Maintain a consistent daily routine
- Provide puzzle feeders and gentle playtime
- Keep litter boxes easily accessible
2. Nutrition
- Diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and mitochondrial cofactors may support brain health
- Prescription senior diets formulated for cognitive support are available
3. Medications and Supplements
- Your veterinarian may recommend medications to improve blood flow or reduce anxiety
- Supplements like SAMe, vitamin E, or omega-3s may be helpful
4. Behavioral Support
- Nightlights can help cats navigate in the dark
- Soft bedding and easily reachable resting spots improve comfort
Supporting a Cat with FCD
Patience and observation are key. Avoid punishing behaviors your cat cannot control, such as accidents outside the litter box. Instead, focus on minimizing stress and adapting the environment to their needs. Regular veterinary checkups become even more important as your cat ages.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your senior cat shows sudden or progressive changes in behavior, schedule a veterinary visit. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference and rule out other treatable conditions.
Final Thoughts
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction is a challenging but manageable condition. With attentive care, environmental adjustments, and veterinary guidance, many cats can continue to live comfortably, fulfilling lives well into their senior years.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Article
Overview
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common age-related disease in dogs that affects the brain, causing deterioration similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
Dogs may start to develop CDS around nine years of age, or older. The condition may be underdiagnosed since the behavioral changes progress slowly, and owners may assume that some changes are a normal part of aging.
Early intervention with environmental enrichment, diet and medical management can improve the quality of life for dogs affected by CDS.
Cause
CDS is caused by gradual and degenerative age-related changes in the brain.
Cells called neurons play a key role in the brain by transmitting essential information throughout the body, helping regulate mental and physical interactions. But when dogs start to age, the cells in their brain, including neurons, start to waste away.
One of the degenerative changes that occurs is the build-up of a protein called beta-amyloid, which creates toxic conditions for neurons. As the neurons stop functioning properly or die off, the brain loses its capacity for processing information, and this breakdown of internal communication leads to the physical and behavioral changes that owners observe.
Clinical signs
CDS may start as one clinical sign and progress over time, or have several apparent signs. The most common may include:
• Disorientation — Getting lost in familiar places, stuck in corners, staring into space
• Interaction changes — Suddenly clingy or avoidant, not recognizing familiar people
• Sleep pattern changes — Wandering the house at night, sleeping more during the day
• House-soiling — Urinating or defecating indoors when they were previously house-trained
• Activity level changes — Decreased interest in playing or doing other activities, restlessness, pacing
• Anxiety — Increased anxiety, new phobias, irritability, aggression
• Learning changes — No longer responding to previously known commands or struggling to learn new ones
Diagnosis
CDS is diagnosed based on the demonstration of clinical signs.
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and recommend checking blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions with similar signs, such as pain, arthritis, seizure disorders, systemic illnesses, and vision or hearing loss. In some cases, MRIs can provide advanced imaging to rule out brain tumors or other conditions.
Treatment
There is no one treatment or cure for CDS, and research is ongoing in this area. Any concurrent health conditions, such as arthritis and obesity, must also be addressed.
Treatment may include a combination of the following:
• Diet — Certain prescription diets (Hill’s B/D, Purina Proplan Neurocare, Royal Canin Veterinary Canine Mature Consult) are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and other important nutrients that help support the brain.
• Enrichment — Interacting with your dog regularly through play, varied or interactive toys, regular exercise and more can help stimulate their brain.
• Medications — Selegiline is a medication approved for CDS treatment in North America. Your veterinarian may also prescribe medications to address specific issues, such as anxiety.
• Supplements — A myriad of supplements may help with CDS when combined with the tactics above, such as Senilife, Novofit (SAMe) or Aktivait. Consult with your veterinarian before starting any supplements.
Outcome
CDS is a slowly progressive disease that many elderly dogs experience.
Early intervention with diet, enrichment and medications can help slow the progression of CDS and improve their quality of life.
Dogs who are severely affected with CDS or who have other compounding medical problems often have a worse prognosis and may not respond well to therapies.
Dr. Aly Cohen and her Pomeranian Mishka.
Dr. Aly Cohen is an extension veterinarian for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center and a clinical instructor for Cornell”s Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program. She also serves as the contract veterinarian for the Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton, New York. Dr. Cohen graduated from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and her veterinary interests include surgery and emergency medicine. She has two Pomeranians named Mishka and Java.
Golden Pond in Rancho Cordova will have a walk at their facility at the same time and date that the Alzheimer’s Association is having their walk in Sacramento.
Links for Dogzheimers
What Is Dog Dementia? Signs of Canine Dementia and How To Help Your Dog | PetMD
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs – Veterinary Partner – VIN
Understanding how to slow cognitive declines in dogs.
Medications for Dogzheimers
Selegiline | VCA Animal Hospitals
Gabapentin for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives – American Kennel Club
Nicergoline – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Links for Catzheimers
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (senility, dementia) in cats – International Cat Care
Cognitive Dysfunction | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Feline cognitive dysfunction – Wikipedia
Older Cats with Behavior Problems | ASPCA
Why is my elderly cat yowling? | Petplan
Medications for Catzheimers
Selegiline | VCA Animal Hospitals
Propentofylline for Cats (vivitonin): Off-Label Use, Safety, and What Owners Report – La Petite Labs
Nicergoline – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics