Cognitive Dysfunction: Memory Loss

Upon entry to the Creature Comforts reception area, there is a book case with pictures of various celebrities I have met through the years: Barbara Bush, Tanya Tucker, Betty White, and George Wallace (the comic), to name a few.  There are a few that my clients would like me to forget: Senator John Edwards who I met while on a tour of the US Senate and Bill Cosby who was the entertainment at a veterinary conference where I served on the advisory board. Some images and memories of these individuals are priceless, while others have been demoted and forgotten in dark drawers. 


Memory or Cognitive Function is a hot topic in both pets and people as we age. Acetylcholine and Dopamine are important neurotransmitter chemicals for normal brain function.  In aging there is a reduction in these chemicals as well as blood flow and glucose and oxygen metabolism in the frontal lobes of the brain.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BRAIN DETERIORATION OR COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME?

Disorientation, pacing, sleeping most of the time, confusion, and a change in housetraining are among the more common complaints of pet owners. On MRI’s of the brain, brain atrophy (of the frontal /cortical area) and the enlargement of the ventricles is noted in these patients. Additional findings include a decline in blood flow and a decrease in glucose (sugar) and oxygen metabolism. An astounding 28% of dogs aged 11 to 12 years and 68% of dogs aged 15 to 16 years old exhibit this decline. There is actually a commercial web site available for pet owners to measure the cognitive function through a variety of provocative tests www.dognition.com .

ARE THERE SOME BASIC STEPS OWNERS OF OLDER PETS CAN TAKE TO SLOW THIS DECLINE?

Environmental enrichment (mental stimulation), exercise, diets rich in anti-oxidants and medium chain fatty acids, and appropriate medications are good starting points.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NUTRIENTS THAT IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION & COGNITION?

Omega 3 fatty acids, Arginine(amino acid), Vitamin E (anti-oxidant), B-vitamins, and Medium chain fatty acids (think coconut oil) are among the most common supplements to improve blood flow, nourish the brain, and slow deterioration of brain tissue.  

SEVERAL MEDICATIONS ARE ON THE MARKET FOR SENILTY AND BRAIN DECLINE. WHAT ARE THEY? Note most will take 2 to 3 months to show improvement. 

Anipryl (Segiline/ Pfizer) is approved as a treatment for cognitive dysfunction within 2 months of starting in 77% of patients.

Novifit (S-adenosylmethionine/Virbac,) a natural, nutritional supplement, is an anti-oxidant and is neuroprotective utilized to improve memory and activity. It is best utilized in the early stages of senility.

Anxitane (L-theanine/Virbac), an amino acid protein from green tea leaves, increases GABA levels that works in the brain as a calming agent and increases dopamine that naturally improves attitude while reducing fear. 

Neutricks (Apoaequorin/Quincy Animal Health), a natural supplement derived from jellyfish, shows potential to improve cognitive function in older dogs. 

Senilife (Ginko biloba, Innovet Italia) is a nutritional supplement showing some improvement in activity and interaction of older pets with their environment/families. 

ARE THERE DIETS WITH NUTRIENTS GEARED TO OLDER PETS WITH COGNITIVE ISSUES?

Many of the major pet food manufacturers have mature diets catering towards pets exhibiting brain decline with appropriate nutrients. Hill’s pet food has a brain diet b/d. Purina One Vibrant Maturity 7+ plus formula contains extra medium chain triglycerides.

Betsy T. Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP, canine and feline

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC