Overview
- One in three dogs aged 12-13 and two in three aged 15-16 show signs of canine cognitive dysfunction, while 50% of cats aged 16 or older are affected by feline dementia.
- Symptoms include confusion, disorientation, behavioral changes, disrupted sleep, and loss of learned behaviors, often mistaken for normal aging.
- Causes range from changes in brain metabolism to inflammation and protein deposits that impair nerve cell function.
- Preventive strategies include low-sugar diets with specific fatty acids, regular exercise, and mental stimulation, though treatment options remain limited.
- Veterinarians and pet owners are urged to prioritize brain health, as early signs of dementia can be subtle and often coincide with other age-related conditions.