Difficulty sleeping at night, interacting less with owners and showing signs of confusion or anxiety are often dismissed as “normal” signs of aging in pets. But these behaviors may be signs of dementia.
Just like humans, dogs and cats can develop dementia as they age — and the resulting behavioral changes can be easily mistaken for symptoms of other diseases.
Dr. Joel White, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, shares guidance to help owners better understand changes in their pets’ behavior and learn how to care for animals living with dementia.
Dementia in dogs and cats, often called cognitive dysfunction, develops when changes in the brain affect how pets think, learn, and remember.
In dogs, signs of cognitive dysfunction can appear as early as 8 years old, with roughly 10% of dogs that age being affected.
In cats, symptoms typically emerge around age 10, with a similar age-related increase in prevalence — more than half of cats over age 15 show signs consistent with dementia.
Early signs of dementia include wandering aimlessly, having accidents in the house, struggling to navigate doorways or stairs, changes in hearing or responsiveness and vocalizing more than usual.
While dogs and cats may show similar symptoms, cats also tend to over-groom themselves to the point of developing bald spots.
When dementia is suspected, veterinarians will use questionnaires based on owners’ observations of their pets’ behavior to help identify cognitive dysfunction.
Veterinarians may also perform blood tests, combined with physical and neurologic examinations, to rule out other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to dementia.
The most definitive way to evaluate a pet for dementia-related changes in the brain is magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI. However, an MRI requires anesthesia and can be costly.
Although there is no cure for dementia in dogs or cats, changes to a pet’s daily routine and environment can help manage symptoms and support quality of life.
Regular exercise — including leash walks and games of fetch for dogs, or food puzzles and interactive toys for cats — can help keep pets physically active and mentally engaged.
Spending regular quality time with the pets can also help support their well-being.
In addition, for pets severely affected by dementia, keeping their environment safe and predictable is essential because sudden changes can be stressful. Owners can close off areas where their pet might get hurt and avoid major changes, such as rearranging furniture or moving to a new home.
Foods rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and antioxidants such as vitamin E and omega 3s may help improve clinical signs.
When lifestyle and diet are not enough, medications can be considered as an option. but should always be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.