Cognitive disorder/cognitive dysfunction is associated with age-related deterioration of a dog or cat’s cognitive functioning. The condition most commonly affects pets 11 years of age and older. Changes that occur in pets with cognitive disorder result from physical and chemical changes within the cerebrum, including deposition of beta amyloid protein, atrophy from nerve cell death, myelin degeneration, intraneuronal lipofuscin accumulation, decreased neurotransmitter activity, or increased activity of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB.) Clinical signs include those changes owners often refer to as “senility” (which does not occur in pets,) including: disorientation, “acting old,” increased sleep (especially during the day,) altered interactions with family members, loss of housetraining/litterbox training, decreased ability to recognize familiar people and surroundings, decreased hearing, restlessness, decreased desire to perform favorite tasks (such as walking,) standing in the corner, and barking/meowing aimlessly at inanimate objects. There is no diagnostic test for cognitive disorder. The diagnosis is made after ruling out other diseases which can also alter mental state (internal disorders such as liver or kidney diseases, cardiac diseases, and especially hypothyroidism) via laboratory testing (usually blood and urine testing.) Many older dogs and cats that act “old” in fact have suffered for years from other chronic problems such as osteoarthritis or periodontal disease. Following proper diagnosis and treatment, these pets misdiagnosed as acting “old” will act “young” again as a result of decreased pain and infection.

Treatment Options (Always Consult Your Veterinarian)

Choline/Lecithin – 50 mg per 25-50 pounds of body weight 1-2 times daily.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil primarily, also flax oil) – Dosed at 10 mg/pound of body weight 1-3 times daily.

Antioxidants – Antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, minerals such as selenium, and other substances such as coenzyme Q-10, bilberry, blueberry, resveratrol, OPC’s, etc., work by reducing cell-harming oxidizing chemicals released upon cell damage and death.

Phosphatidyl serine – 100mg per 40-50 pounds of body weight twice daily.

Homeopathics – Conium, Gelsemium

Homotoxicology – Cerebrum compositum

Author – Dr. Shawn Messonnier, DVM