Senior Pets & Brain Health: What the Latest Research Reveals to help them and even US

We are living longer, and so are our pets. Right now, the United States is home to an estimated 87 million dogs and 76 million cats. National pet ownership data shows that about 71% of U.S.households share their lives with an animal. That means tens of millions of dogs and cats are aging right alongside us—growing older, slowing down, and facing many of the same brain-health related challenges that we do.

On September 16, 2025, the Journal of Veterinary Science published a detailed review on Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) in senior dogs and cats, helping us better understand what happens to their brains over time (and maybe even ours). This review jvs.25213 brings together cutting-edge research on how CDS develops, how veterinarians diagnose it, and what current science recommends for managing it through behavior tools, biomarkers, nutrition, and environmental enrichment.

As it turns out, the study of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in humans closely overlaps with CDS research in animals, revealing striking similarities in how aging brains change across species. Understanding CDS doesn’t just help us care for senior pets—it helps us understand aging itself.

CDS is a brain-aging disorder in both dogs and cats, where the brain gradually loses function, leading to behavioral changes, memory issues, and disorientation.

In dogs, signs can include:

• Getting lost in familiar places, even inside the home

• Wandering aimlessly

• Changes in sleeping habits (awake at night)

• New or increasing house-soiling

In cats, signs are often more subtle and easily mistaken for “just getting old.” These can include:

• Increased night vocalization

• Less grooming

• Changes in litter box use

• Altered social interactions

Research indicates that signs of cognitive dysfunction begin to emerge in dogs as early as 11–12 years of age, and the prevalence rises to around 68 % in dogs aged 15–16 years.

In cats, surveys show that about 28–30 % of those aged 11–14 years display at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction, with the incidence increasing further in cats 15 years and older.

What’s Happening in the Brain?

In aging dogs, the brain begins to change in ways that mirror human Alzheimer’s disease. These changes include:

• Beta-amyloid deposits forming in the brain

• Oxidative stress, which is damage caused by free radicals

• Inflammation of brain cells, disrupting normal function

Aging cats show some similar signs — such as beta-amyloid deposits and mild brain shrinkage — but research is far more limited. One key difference is that tau protein changes, common in humans with Alzheimer’s, are rarely observed in either dogs or cats.

Overall, as the brain grows older, its support systems — from cell health to energy metabolism — gradually weaken. The evidence for these changes is strong in dogs, while in cats, many questions remain and more research is needed.

How CDS Is Diagnosed

Because we cannot yet rely on a single laboratory test for CDS, diagnosis is based on behavior changes, owner questionnaires, and ruling out other medical conditions.

Attached is a canine assessment tools commonly used today:

• CCDR (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale)

  303489_US_Co_Condition_Cognitive_Assessment_Tool_r2v2.pdf

For cats, no well-validated, species-specific questionnaire exists yet, and we believe there is a critical need.

Managing CDS: What Helps?

Though we cannot reverse brain degeneration, the goal is to slow decline, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. Two major strategies make a difference: nutritional support and environmental enrichment.

Nutritional interventions shown to help include:

• MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglycerides)

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine)

• Antioxidant-enriched diets

Environmental enrichment includes:

For Dogs:

• Structured physical activity

• Social interaction

• Puzzle feeders and toys

• Problem-solving activities

For Cats:

• Easy access to food, water, and litter boxes

• Use of calming pheromones

• Puzzle feeders, toys, and stimulating activities

The largest benefits seem to come from combining diet and enrichment.

Why This Matters

As both humans and pets live longer, research on brain aging impacts all of us. We especially need feline-specific tools and more studies focused on biomarkers, ideal diets, supplements, dosages, and enrichment strategies so we can better support senior animals as they age along with ourselves.

From a veterinary perspective, early recognition of CDS improves quality of life, guides treatment choices, and helps families manage expectations. From a scientific perspective, dogs with CDS share many of the same brain changes found in human Alzheimer’s disease. Meaning that studying one can help us better understand both.

And for the record, we’re taking this research to heart at home. We’re adding puzzle feeders, incorporating more antioxidant-rich foods, and exploring supplements like SAMe and Omega-3s not just for our pets but for ourselves too (the supplement/nutrition part).

The Journal of Veterinary Science explains that nutritional interventions for cognitive dysfunction in aging dogs and cats include MCT oils, Omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e, and antioxidant-rich foods, because these nutrients help support the brain as it gets older. MCT oils provide an additional energy source for the brain when normal fuel isn’t used as well. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and support healthy communication between brain cells. SAM-e supports mood, memory, and alertness by helping the brain produce important chemicals it needs to function well. Antioxidants protect brain cells from damage caused by stress and aging, helping them stay healthy longer. Pets may receive these through special diets or supplements, and humans can support our own brain health with many of the same nutrients by eating foods like coconut oil for MCTs; salmon, sardines, and walnuts for Omega-3s; leafy greens and bananas to support SAM-e production; and antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, strawberries, spinach, nuts, and green tea. These same dietary supports that help aging pets also promote clearer thinking, better memory, and healthier aging in people.

At Old Dogs Rock, our love for music and old dogs runs deep, and after losing our namesake Rocky to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction last year, sharing information like this feels more important than ever—for our pets, for ourselves, and for the legacy of love we hope to leave behind.