Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: a disease of canine and feline brain aging.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Landsberg, Gary M et al.
- Affiliation:
- North Toronto Animal Clinic · Canada
Plain-English summary
As pets get older, their brains can start to decline, leading to problems with thinking and behavior. This condition is called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), and while not every pet experiences it the same way, it usually gets worse over time once it starts. To diagnose CDS, veterinarians look for specific changes in behavior and rule out other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. There are medications, special diets, and supplements that may help slow down the progression of CDS and can sometimes improve your pet's thinking and behavior. Overall, while there are treatments available, they may not completely stop the decline but can help make your pet feel better.
Abstract
Brain aging is a degenerative process manifest by impairment of cognitive function; although not all pets are affected at the same level, once cognitive decline begins it is generally a progressive disorder. Diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is based on recognition of behavioral signs and exclusion of other medical causes that might mimic CDS or complicate its diagnosis. Drugs, diets, and supplements are now available that might slow CDS progression by various mechanisms including reducing oxidative stress and inflammation or improving mitochondrial and neuronal function. Moreover, available therapeutics may provide some level of improvement in cognitive and clinical signs of CDS.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22720812/