Dogs

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a common age-related disease in dogs that affects the brain, causing deterioration similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

Dogs may start to develop CDS around nine years of age, or older. The condition may be underdiagnosed since the behavioral changes progress slowly, and owners may assume that some changes are a normal part of aging.

• Disorientation: Dogs may get lost in familiar places, get stuck in corners or be found staring into space.
• House-soiling: Dogs may have accidents in the house or forget to let you know that they need to go out.
• Sleep-wake cycles: Dogs may sleep restlessly, wake up at night, or sleep more during the day.
• Interaction: Dogs may be less interested in petting, greeting people, or interacting with other pets or they could be very clingy.
• Activity: Dogs may be less active and explore less. They may be restless, pacing.

Early intervention with environmental enrichment, diet and medical management can improve the quality of life for dogs affected by CDS.

Cats

Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), also known as feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD), is a condition that causes age-related cognitive decline in cats. It’s similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans and can cause behavioral changes such as:

• Disorientation: Cats may be disoriented in space or time.
• House-soiling: Cats may have accidents in the house or forget where the litter box is.
• Vocalization: Cats may vocalize more or in a more urgent tone.
• Sleep-wake cycles: Cats may sleep restlessly, wake up at night, or sleep more during the day.
• Interaction: Cats may be less interested in petting, greeting people, or interacting with other pets.
• Activity: Cats may be less active and explore less.

The main goal of managing CDS is to improve quality of life and delay the condition’s progression. This can be done through a combination of: environmental enrichment, dietary modification, pain management, and cognitive function support.

Some supplements that may help with CDS include: Antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e)