The physiological origin for cognitive dysfunction in aging cats can be biological and/or nutritional. Aging is often associated with an increase in oxidative stress due to free radical attacks that damage the protein, lipid, and nucleotide structures of the brain. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that oxidative damage can be significantly reduced by Nrf2 activators.
Chronic stress and ageing are two of the most important factors that negatively affect cognitive functions such as learning, memory and motor function. Supplemental therapeutic strategies including CogniPro have demonstrated their usefulness in slowing and even reversing the clinical signs of Cognitive Dysfunction.
Recent research has focused on nutritional interventions capable of modifying behavior and reducing the effects of both stress and ageing. Phospholipids, (phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine) have been shown to improve a variety of cognitive processes in cats.
Clinical Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats
As the brain of the cat naturally declines with age, behavioral signs related to CDS appear. Some of the signs to look for are:
- Changes in awareness or response to stimuli
- Disorientation and confusion
- Inability to follow familiar routes
- Anxiety (restlessness or irritability)
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased desire to play
- Excessive licking
- Fecal or urinary incontinence
- Changes in sleep patterns
The initial symptoms of CDS in the cat can be mild and are often written off as normal signs of aging. Cognitive dysfunction signs will gradually worsen over time and can be referred to as Cognitive Decline or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. We may notice these changes but frequently do anything about them.
Oxidative Brain Damage and CDS
The scientific link between aging, neuronal degeneration and free radicals provides an interesting hypothesis – would reducing oxidative damage in the brain throughout the life of the cat decrease the incidence of CDS in seniors. Secondly, once CDS becomes apparent would the introduction of brain nutrients and antioxidants prevent further decline or possibly reverse cognitive dysfunction behaviors.