The aging brain: What we can do to help our senior pets (SVS25)

Cognitive decline in aging animals is often overlooked in general practice. Due to the advancement in veterinary science, pets are living longer lives. This has led to the increase the number of cases seen in veterinary practice. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a degenerative, metabolic brain disorder, similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people, that is associated with advancing age. Cognitive Dysfunction can have significant impact on the animal's welfare and quality of life as well as the lives of their owners. Greater awareness of cognitive dysfunction is critical so that pets can receive the help they need in a timely fashion.

• Appreciate how cognitive health affects behaviour of aging pets.
• Have a basic understanding of the pathophysiology of Cognitive Dysfunction in aging pets
• Understand the signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment/management of cognitive dysfunction.
• Understand how diet and supplements can help improve symptoms and delay the progression of the disease