Just like humans can develop dementia as they age, our beloved feline companions can decline mentally as they grow older, as well. Cat dementia is actually quite similar to human Alzheimer\u2019s disease, and the causes and symptoms are just as confusing.<\/p>\n
Cats that are older than 15 years of age are more exposed to dementia than younger ones. In fact, some studies suggest that there is a 50% likelihood that a 15-year-old cat can develop dementia compared to cats aged 11 to 14 years old.<\/p>\n
In this article, we\u2019ll look at what cat dementia is, its symptoms and possible causes, and what you can do to try to prevent it.<\/p>\n
Feline dementia is a challenging disease, and it is often under-diagnosed or undertreated. It can be misunderstood both by cat parents and veterinarians. Since cats live longer nowadays as they are cared for a lot better than in the past, they also have a higher chance of developing dementia.<\/p>\n
Cats with dementia show symptoms that are more or less similar to the signs shown by humans with senile dementia or Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
Feline dementia is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities (memory, learning, spatial abilities, attention, and others) as a result of aging modifications in the brain.<\/p>\n
Known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, this disease is characterized by behavioral changes. Unfortunately, these can also result from other medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, or hyperthyroidism.<\/p>\n
As is the case with dementia in humans, the real cause of cat dementia remains unknown. There does seem to be a part played by genetics, but what is really known about the condition is mostly physical.<\/p>\n
Cat dementia is caused by lower blood flow to the brain and an increase in free radicals. As a cat gets older, her body starts producing more free radicals. The latter can damage the cells in the cat\u2019s brain, especially when combined with a decrease in blood and oxygen flow to the brain.<\/p>\n
High blood pressure, along with thyroid disease and kidney disease<\/a>, can lead to changes in the brain that can worsen existing dementia or make the cat more likely to develop it in the first place.<\/p>\n A cat\u2019s brain begins to show signs of dementia between the ages of 10 to 15, with older ones being more exposed to the condition. The classic signs of dementia in cats that you might notice in your pet are the following.<\/p>\n Getting your cat diagnosed correctly always begins with you. Especially in this case, where the vet might be unable to find some specific practical changes (in the animal\u2019s blood work or based on a physical examination), you are going to be the one that needs to tell them about the cat\u2019s weird behaviors, how often they happen, and what exactly you have noticed.<\/p>\n The cat\u2019s health history matters a lot. Cat dementia is often a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that the vet will probably perform lots of tests to rule out any other possible conditions. Some of the tests can range from ultrasounds and X-rays to blood tests.<\/p>\n Differential diagnosis needs to be made with diseases such as arthritis<\/a>, deafness<\/a>, blindness, or brain tumors. There are many similarities between arthritis and cat dementia, but the causes and treatments are quite different.<\/p>\n There is no actual treatment for cat dementia. Like human dementia, it is a progressive disease, and it gets worse over time. However, you can delay its progression and help your cat cope with it as best as possible.<\/p>\n The cat\u2019s diet needs to be rich in antioxidants as they help with killing off the free radicals. Beta carotene, vitamin C and E, and most importantly, Omega 3s should also be added to your cat\u2019s diet. If your cat is confused and anxious, your vet could recommend CBD supplements to calm her down a bit.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also a psychoactive drug called Anipryl that is commonly used to treat dementia in dogs. It has been approved by the FDA for dogs, but it is also supported by the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) to use on cats.<\/p>\n It seems that about a third of cats don\u2019t show any improvement, another third show mild improvement, and the last third show a significant improvement. In this last category, the drug is actually capable of reversing the symptoms shown by the cat.<\/p>\n You should also try to make your cat\u2019s life as easy as possible. If you haven\u2019t done so by now, try to create a schedule for feeding and other activities, so that the cat benefits from a little structure. Comfortable resting areas, along with several litter boxes<\/a> or trays that the cat can get in and out of with ease, are also necessary if you\u2019re looking to improve the quality of life of a cat with dementia.<\/p>\n Active stimulation is the most significant method you can use to prevent cat dementia. This also applies in the case of humans, by the way, as it\u2019s widely known that reading and performing other brain-stimulating activities can prevent dementia. Try to keep your cat as physically and mentally engaged as possible so that his or her brain remains young and active.<\/p>\n Since most cats enjoy puzzle toys or problem-solving activities, try to play with them as often as you can and even bribe them with treats once in a while.<\/p>\n While some cats might not enjoy going outdoors at all, others will miss the outdoor environment if you keep them in an apartment. If you can take your cat out on a leash, don\u2019t hesitate to do so as it will allow him\/her to explore for a bit. On the other hand, if your cat hates going outside or you can\u2019t take her for walks for another reason, get some cat trees to give your pet areas to climb or lounge.<\/p>\nSigns of Cat Dementia<\/h2>\n
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Diagnosis<\/h2>\n
Long-term Management<\/h2>\n
Can Cat Dementia Be Prevented?<\/h2>\n