What is Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats?
Sixteen years ago when I left my residency and started out as a newly minted neurologist, feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) was not on my radar. That has changed. As we learn more about aging in cats, it has become a more widely recognized disease by yours truly, as well as many of you in practice. If you're like me and need a Tidbit-Tuesday style refresher...read on!
What is cognitive dysfunction syndrome?
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a term used to describe deterioration of mental capabilities associated with age. Clinical signs referred to cognitive dysfunction can also be associated with other age-related illnesses (e.g. osteoarthritis, structural intracranial disease such as neoplasia, or cardiovascular disease). See table 1 for an outline of behavior changes seen in cats with CDS.
The underlying etiology of CDS is yet unknown. Causes such as oxidative stress/damage, neurodegeneration and vascular changes are among the leading hypothesis for human and canine CDS, and therefore suspected to be similar in feline CDS. Deposits of extracellular B-amyloid and intracellular accumulation of microtubule-associated protein tau have been seen in human patients with cognitive dysfunction. Similarly, B-amyloid deposits and increased tau have been detected in aged cats with cognitive decline, however the significance remains unclear.
What are the clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction in cats?
There is a handy article, recently published in the Veterinary Clinics of North America by Dr. Miele and associates that echos what others have been reporting in a very concise little table. (See reference at bottom) I have replicated this table, with a few modifications, here. Note: There are other signs such as decreased appetite or thirst, that don't usually drive an owner or veterinarian to seek consultation from a neurologist so I haven't included them here.
Table 1: Clinical behavioral changes associated with CDS in cats.Increased vocalization, especially at nightAltered social interaction and relationships, either with other or other pet. Altered sleep/wake patterHouse soilingSpatial Disorientation or confusion (i.e. forgetting the location of the litter box)Temporal disorientation (i.e. forgetting if they have been fed)Altered activity (i.e. aimless wandering)AnxietyLearning and memory dysfunction
How is CDS in cats diagnosed?
Oh, this is as tangled of a web as the tau proteins we chase. (A little CDS humor here...you see the tau proteins can cause the "tangles" seen in human CDS.). Currently, the diagnosis is made by ruling out structural brain disease and systemic causes for disease. This may include complete blood count, full biochemistry panel including thyroid screening, urinalysis, chest radiographs, blood pressure assessment, brain MRI and possibly spinal tap. Imaging changes associated with canine CDS include increased depth of the sulci, dilation of ventricles secondary to neuronal loss (called ex vacuo hydrocephalus) and a measurably small interthalamic adhesion. Exclude everything else, and it's probably CDS.
How can we help these cats age easier?
Currently, there are no proven treatments for feline CDS. The addition of antioxidants (B vitamins, vitamin C, other) as well as fish oil were evaluated for use in cats in one study and showed promise. The use of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) has been recommended for cats based on a study that identified improved performance on cognitive testing. This study only found significant improvement in cognitive function testing in the least affected cats. In addition to medical management, environmental management with ready access to food, water, litter box and areas of comfort (beds, hiding spots) is recommended. Environmental stimulation with low impact toys, or bird feeders in which the cat can choose to ignore any activity if they do not feel inclined to engage, are recommended. Finally, focused veterinary visits can be important for cat owners to feel supported through the aging process. Focus your exam specifically evaluating body weight, urine production (to assess for signs of dehydration), behavior changes and mobility.This may help detect signs earlier in the course of disease and to identify concurrent morbidity that may contribute to, or be confused with, cognitive dysfunction.
Did I forget anything? Most of you treat and see this more than I do. What do you see in practice? What have you used (successfully, or not) for treatment? Please reach out - I want to hear your perspective!
Reference:
Miele A, Sordo L, Gunn-Moore DA. Feline Aging: Promoting Physiologic and Emotional Well-Being. Vet Clin North Am - Small Anim Pract. 2020;50(4):719-748.