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Cognitive Dysfunction
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is the pet equivalent of dementia/Alzheimer's disease. It is a progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting senior dogs and cats.
Key Facts
- Affects dogs and cats; more commonly recognized in dogs
- Signs remembered by DISHA: Disorientation, Interaction changes, Sleep-wake cycle disruption, House-soiling, Activity level changes
- Caused by brain changes: beta-amyloid plaques, oxidative damage, neuronal loss
- No cure; management slows progression
- Treatment: selegiline (Anipryl) approved for dogs; diet enriched with antioxidants/MCTs
- Environmental enrichment and maintaining routines help
- Hill's b/d diet and Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind formulated for cognitive support
- Must rule out other medical causes (pain, hyperthyroidism, chronic-kidney-disease)
- Species: dogs and cats