Apparent senility in geriatric cats
With improvements in nutrition and veterinary medicine the life expectancy of pet cats is increasing; there are now more elderly cats than ever before. In USA over the last 10 years, there has been a 15% increase in cats over 10 years of age, and in the UK it is estimated that there are currently ~ 2.5 million ‘senior’ cats. Since this accounts for ~30% of the pet cat population the good management of these individuals is becoming an ever more important consideration for small animal veterinary practitioners.
Unfortunately, accompanying this growing geriatric population there are increasing numbers of pets with signs of altered behaviour and apparent senility. These behavioural changes may result from many different disorders (Figure 1) including systemic illness (e.g. hyperthyroidism [i.e. an overactive thyroid gland]), organic brain disease (e.g. a brain tumour), true behavioural problems (e.g. separation anxiety), or cognitive dysfunction. Diagnosis involves a full investigation looking for underlying illness (Figure 2) and assessment for behavioural problems. Once these have been ruled out cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) should be considered, although, ante-mortem (before death), this is a diagnosis of exclusion. The most commonly seen changes include spatial (space) or temporal (time) disorientation, altered interaction with the family, changes in sleep-wake cycles, house-soiling with inappropriate urination/defecation, changes in activity, and/or inappropriate vocalisation (often displayed as loud crying at night) (Figure 3).
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a term that is applied to age-related deterioration of cognitive abilities, characterised by behavioural changes (as described above), where no medical cause can be found. Recent studies suggest that as many as 28% of pet cats aged 11–14 years develop at least one geriatric-onset behaviour problem, and this increases to over 50% for cats of 15 years of age or older.
The cause of the syndrome is still unknown, but i) compromised cerebral blood flow and ii) chronic free radical damage are both believed to be important. i) Numerous vascular (blood vessel) changes can occur in the brain of old cats, including a decrease in cerebral blood flow, the presence of small haemorrhages around the blood vessels, and a form of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). In addition, the brain of an elderly cat may also be subject to compromised blood flow and hypoxia (lack of oxygen) due to heart disease, anaemia, blood clotting defects, or underlying hypertension (high blood pressure). ii) A small amount of the oxygen that is used by cells in normal energy production is normally converted to free radicals. As cells age they become less efficient, producing less energy and more free radicals. (As a simile think of increasing emissions as a car engine ages and becomes less efficient). Normally, these free radicals are removed by the body’s natural antioxidant defences, including a number of special enzymes and free radical scavengers, such as vitamins A, C and E. The balance between the production and removal of free radicals can be upset by disease, age, and stress. An excess of free radicals can lead to damage and the brain is particularly susceptible because it has a high fat content, a high demand for oxygen, and a limited ability to repair. Ultimately, chronic damage can eventually lead to disease processes similar to those seen in humans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with alteration of proteins within nerve cells (e.g. tau hyperphosphorylation) and deposition of protein plaques (made from b-amyloid protein) outside the nerve cells.
Management of cats with CDS
While there are no published studies relating to the treatment of cats with CDS it is possible to consider potential treatment options by extrapolation from studies of humans with AD and dogs with CDS. Potential interventions therefore include dietary modification, environmental management, and drug therapies.
* Dietary modification and environmental management
Diets enriched with antioxidants and other supportive compounds (e.g. vitamin E, beta carotene, and essential fatty acids) are believed to reduce oxidative damage, so reducing b-amyloid production, and improving cognitive function. In humans, studies have shown that high intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins E and/or C, folate and/or B12 may improve cognition (although excessive intake can have harmful effect). In addition, alpha-lipoic acid and l-carnitine enhance mitochondrial function, and omega-3 fatty acids promote cell membrane health and have, in humans, been found to be beneficial in the treatment of dementia. In general, combinations of these compounds are believed to work best.
There have been a number of studies investigating the potential benefit of various supplements in dogs with CDS. For example, a study of dogs over six years of age, when given a supplement containing omega-3 fish oils, vitamins E and C, L-carnitine, alpha lipoic acid, coenyzyme Q, phosphotidylserine and selenium (this supplement is sold in the UK as Aktivait® from VetPlus) over a two month period resulted in significant improvements in signs of disorientation, social interaction, and house soiling. Unfortunately, a different formula is needed for cats as alpha lipoic acid is toxic in this species so products containing it should not be given. While the new feline-safe version of Aktivait is on the market, trials in cats still need to determine its efficacy.
Environmental enrichment can lead to an increase in nerve growth factors, the growth and survival of nerves and an increase in cognitive function. The combination of environmental stimulation (e.g. toys, company, interaction, and food hunting games) and a diet enriched with antioxidants is believed to have a synergistic action in improving cognitive function. In aged dogs, a four year study on the use of an antioxidant-enriched diet (e.g. vitamins E and C, selenium, fruit and vegetable extract [beta carotene, other carotenoids, flavinoids]), mitochondrial cofactors (dl-lipoic acid and l-carnitine), and essential fatty acids (omega-3 fatty acids) (Hill’s b/d®), plus environmental enrichment (e.g. toys, kennel mate, walks, and cognitive experience testing) revealed rapid (2-8 weeks into treatment) and significant improvements in learning and memory. Interestingly, while there was no reversal of existing pathology, the antioxidants did appear to prevent the deposition of more b-amyloid while the environmental enrichment did not.
While a similar study showing improvement of CDS in cats in response to dietary supplementation is not yet available, a five year study feeding healthy old cats (7-17 years old; n=90) a diet (Nestlé Purina Pro Plan Age 7+®) supplemented with antioxidants (vitamin E and b-carotene), essential fatty acids (omega-3 and 6 fatty acids) and dried whole chicory root (which contains the prebiotic inulin to modify intestinal flora) resulted in the supplemented cats living significantly longer (and more healthily) than the un-supplemented ones. Other similarly supplemented diets are now on the market (e.g. Hill’s Feline j/d which is actually designed for cats with arthritis – it is supplemented with a mixture of anti-oxidants [e.g. vitamins C and E, and beta carotene], essential fatty acids, chondroprotectants [e.g. methionine, glycosaminoglycans, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulphate], and L-carnitine and lysine [to aid obesity management and the build-up of lean muscle] – but has also been seen to help cats with CDS).
Unfortunately, once cats develop significant clinical signs of CDS, instigating environmental change can actually have a negative effect. This is because affected cats often become very stressed and cope poorly with change; whether in their environment, their daily routine, their diet, or the members of the household with which they live. The cat’s response to this stress is to show more obvious signs of CDS (e.g. anorexia, hiding, and/or upset of toileting habits). For these cats, where possible, change should be kept to a minimum, and when it cannot be avoided it should be made slowly and with much reassurance. Some cats may become so demented and cope so poorly with change that they may benefit from having their area of access reduced in size (e.g. to a single room containing everything they need); this core territory can then be kept safe and constant. Environmental application of synthetic feline appeasement pheromone (Feliway®; Ceva) can also help in reducing feline anxiety.
* Potential drug therapies
There are a growing number of possible drug options for AD. These include various cholinesterase inhibitors (to increase the availability of acetyl choline at the neuronal synapses), selegiline (to manipulate the monoaminergic system), antioxidants (e.g. Vitamin E), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (to reduce neuronal damage). While there are no drugs licensed for the treatment of CDS in cats, selegiline, propentofylline and nicergoline have all been used in this species with varying degrees of success (see below). Other drugs that have been used to treat particular signs of CDS in cats include anxiolytic drugs, such as buspirone and benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam/Valium - although hepatotoxicity is a particular risk with this drug), or antidepressants (that lack anticholinergic effects) such as fluoxetine.
As yet there are no drugs licensed for the treatment of CDS in cats, and no drugs that have been proven to work in the treatment of CDS in this species. However, a number of drugs have been used ‘off label’. These include selegiline (Selgian®; Pfizer), propentofylline (Vivitonin®; Intervet) and nicergoline (Fitergol®; Merial), all of which have been used in cat with varying degrees of success, e.g. a small open trial using selegiline showed a positive effect and the American Association of Feline Practitioners supports the use of this drug for the treatment of CDS.
Figure 1: Potential causes of behavioural changes in geriatric cats:
* Arthritis (the pain and/or dysfunction of arthritis is often under-recognised in elderly cats)*.
* Systemic hypertension (high blood pressure may either be primary or secondary to hyperthyroidism, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, acromegaly or hyperadrenocorticism)
* Hyperthyroidism
* Chronic kidney disease
* Diabetes mellitus
* Urinary tract infection
* Gastrointestinal disease
* Liver disease
* Neurological defects (either sensory or motor deficits)
* Reduced vision or hearing
* Brain tumours (e.g. lymphoma, meningioma)
* Infectious disease (e.g. FIV, FeLV, toxoplasmosis, FIP)
* Dental or periodontal disease
* Inflammatory disease in general
* Pain in general
* True behavioural problems
* Cognitive dysfunction syndrome
* The importance of arthritis should not be overlooked. Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease is present in 70-90% of cats over 10 years of age. Associated pain and/or dysfunction can result in reduced activity and mobility, aggression, altered interactions with the family, and/or loss of litter box training. When asked, most owners list the diseases that they see in their older cats in a different order to the list generated by veterinary surgeons. Top of the owner’s list is arthritis, and this is followed by kidney failure, deafness, blindness, hyperthyroidism, bronchitis, and dental problems (V Halls, personal communication, 2002). Owners can help their arthritic cats by adjusting their house; for example, by moving food and water bowls to lower surfaces, adding ramps to allow easier access to favoured sleeping areas, providing deep comfortable bedding that will support and protect the cat’s joints (heated beds can be particularly soothing), and placing low-sided litter boxes within easy cat reach.
Figure 2: Initial investigation of behavioural changes in geriatric cats should include:
* Full history, including the possibility of previous trauma (which may have lead to arthritis), any potential exposure to toxins or drugs, and any recent environmental changes (in the household, family members, diet, etc.)
* Full physical examination (including assessment of body weight, body condition score, retinal examination and a full neurological examination).
* Assess systemic blood pressure (this is particularly important as hypertension occurs commonly in older cats and cat many of the same signs as CDS)
* Assess haematology and serum biochemistry, including thyroid hormone level
* Urine analysis (including urine protein to creatinine ratio and bacterial culture)
Further investigation may include:
* Where appropriate, serological testing for FeLV, FIV, Toxoplasmosis or FIP
* Thoracic, abdominal or skeletal radiography, abdominal ultrasound examination, ECG, echocardiography, intestinal endoscopy / exploratory laparotomy and biopsy collection, as indicated from initial findings.
* Head CT or MRI
Figure 3: Behavioural changes that can be seen in geriatric cats and may be associated with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS):
* Spatial disorientation or confusion, e.g. getting trapped in corners or forgetting the location of the litter box (house-soiling is the most common reason for referral of old cats to behaviouralists)
* Altered social relationships, either with their owners or other pets in the household e.g. increased attention seeking or aggression
* Altered behavioural responses e.g. increased irritability or anxiety, or decreased response to stimuli
* Changes in sleep/wake patterns
* Inappropriate vocalisation e.g. loud crying at night
* Altered learning and memory, such as forgetting commands or breaking housetraining
* Changes in activity e.g. aimless wandering or pacing, or reduced activity
* Altered interest in food, either increased or, more typically, decreased
* Decreased grooming
* Temporal disorientation e.g. forgetting that they have just been fed
Reproduced with kind permission of the Feline Advisory Bureau
http://www.fabcats.org/owners/elderly/senility.htmlfeline Alzheimer's disease
Ageing cats can develop a feline form of Alzheimer's disease, a new study reveals. Scientists at the Universities of Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bristol and California have identified a key protein which can build up in the nerve cells of a cat's brain and cause mental deterioration.
In humans with Alzheimer's disease, this protein creates ‘tangles' inside the nerve cells which inhibit messages being processed by the brain. The team says that the presence of this protein in cats is proof that they too can develop this type of disease.
By carrying out post-mortem examination of cats which have succumbed naturally to the disease, scientists may now be able to uncover vital clues about how the condition develops. This may eventually help scientists to come up with possible treatments.
Scientists already thought cats were susceptible to dementia because previous research had identified thick, gritty plaques on the outside of elderly cats' brain cells which are similar to those found in humans. But, by pinpointing this second key marker, the Edinburgh-led team says we can be sure that cats can suffer from a feline form of Alzheimer's.
Dr Danielle Gunn-Moore, at the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “This newly discovered protein is crucial to our understanding of the ageing process in cats. We've known for a long time that cats develop dementia, but this study tells us that the cat's neural system is being compromised in a similar fashion to that we see in human Alzheimer's sufferers. The gritty plaques had only hinted that might be the case – now we know.
“The shorter life-span of a cat, compared to humans, allows researchers to more rapidly assess the effects of diet, high blood pressure, and prescribed drugs on the course of the disease. However, we also need to understand more about our geriatric cats for their own benefit, so we can slow down the degeneration the disease brings and keep them as happy cats for as long as possible.”
“As with humans, the life expectancy of cats is increasing and with this longer life runs the greater chance of developing dementia. Recent studies suggest that 28% of pet cats aged 11-14 years develop at least one old-age related behaviour problem and this increases to more than 50% for cats over the age of 15.”
Experts suggest that good diet, mental stimulation and companionship can reduce the risk of dementia in both humans and cats. Dr Gunn Moore explained: “If humans and their cats live in a poor environment with little company and stimulation, they are both at higher risk of dementia. However, if the owner plays with the cat, it is good for both human and cat. A good diet enriched with antioxidants is also helpful in warding off dementia, so a cat owner sharing healthy meals like chicken and fish with their pet will benefit them both.”
Dr Frank Gunn-Moore, at the School of Biology, University of St Andrews, said: “This work relied on a team effort with the different skills and expertise from our different institutions. It has given us an insight into the molecular changes that are occurring in the degenerating brain. From this knowledge we are now currently trying to develop new and novel treatments which will be able to help both cats and humans”.
The findings of the study are published in a recent edition of the Journal of Feline Medicine.
Press Release - The University of Edinburgh
Printed with kind permission of the Feline Advisory Bureau
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