How to spot dementia in your dog or cat

Difficulty sleeping at night, reduced interaction with owners, and displaying signs of confusion or anxiety may be dismissed as typical aging for pets, but these behaviors could signal dementia. Like humans, dogs and cats can develop dementia as they age—and these behavioral changes may be mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. Here's what veterinary expert Joel White from Texas A&M University has to say on the matter:

Signs of dementia in dogs and cats, known as cognitive dysfunction, arise when changes in the brain impact a pet's mental processes such as thinking, learning, and memory. Dogs may exhibit signs of cognitive dysfunction as early as 8 years old, with up to 10% affected. This prevalence increases to 80% in dogs over 18 years old. In cats, symptoms usually start around age 10, impacting more than half of cats over 15 years old.

As veterinary medicine improves, more dogs and cats are living longer, thus increasing the likelihood of developing this disease. Awareness is also growing among owners and veterinarians, making earlier recognition and diagnosis possible.

Early signs of dementia in pets include aimless wandering, having accidents inside the home, struggling to navigate familiar locations like doorways or stairs, changes in hearing or responsiveness, and more vocalizing than usual. These symptoms can be mistaken for other issues such as arthritis or urinary tract infections. Cats often groom excessively, leading to bald patches—a behavior not typically seen in dogs.

Cats are adept at hiding illness, making diagnosis challenging. Older cats may also suffer from conditions like hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive hormone, leading to behavioral changes that may resemble dementia.

Diagnosis of dementia involves a veterinarian evaluating owners’ observations through questionnaires and identifying cognitive dysfunction based on the number of signs shown. Blood tests, physical, and neurological examinations are also used to rule out other conditions causing similar symptoms. MRI offers a conclusive diagnosis but requires anesthesia and can be expensive.

While there’s no cure for dementia in dogs or cats, modifications to their daily routine and environment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Regular exercise, like leash walks or interactive play for dogs and mental stimulation like food puzzles for cats, keeps pets active and mentally engaged. Adopting creative alternatives to exercise, such as swimming for larger pets or gentle movements in tubs or carriers for smaller ones, can also help. Spending quality time with pets and maintaining a stable, safe environment can reduce stress.

Dietary changes, particularly foods rich in medium-chain triglycerides and antioxidants like vitamin E and omega-3s, may improve clinical signs in dogs. Although cat-specific supplements are not widely available, veterinarians can recommend appropriate options. In some cases, medications may be prescribed, but they should be used under veterinary supervision due to varying responses among pets.

The most challenging aspect for pet owners is staying patient as dementia progresses. Watching a beloved pet struggle can be heartbreaking, but it’s crucial to remember that their actions are not purposeful misbehavior. Patience, compassion, and quality time spent together can help maintain the bond with the pet during this difficult time.