Nutrition and Cognition

Aging leads to changes that can negatively affect cognition in pets (and humans) and, in fact, a dog’s brain has a high metabolic rate, which is reported to be severely reduced by the time the animal is six years old. It is also known that a deficiency of certain nutrients can lead to the acceleration of the brain-aging process and this highlights the critical role of nutrition in maintaining brain health.

The article focuses on cognitive decline and dysfunction and its management through dietary modifications, including the use of antioxidants, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids in dogs. Cognitive impairments are typically progressive and there are fewer studies in cats, making this syndrome more difficult to identify in felids.  As it is, much of our existing knowledge is extrapolated from human medicine so more research into this area for cats and dogs is needed.

What we do know is that the glucose metabolism of the brain decreases with age although this does not happen with ketones. In humans, traditional ketogenic diets are useful in the management of refractory epilepsy and some experts cite their use in the case of neurological disorders. In dogs they are ineffective. However, it is believed that diets rich in medium-chain triglycerides may enhance cognitive function.

There are few investigations yet into the benefits of omega-3 fatty-acids benefits in pets but one study in elderly Beagles, involving the addition of docosahexaenoic acid to their diet, showed improvements in both visual and variable contrast discrimination learning tests. Branched-chain amino acids have also shown some benefit in elderly pets.

It is believed that a combination of nutrients will offer more promising results than the addition of one nutrient alone. In view of this, many nutraceuticals, offering a range of ingredients, are already available. Studies have confirmed their efficacy in reducing cognitive dysfunction syndrome-associated signs with relapse common if their administration is suspended.

There is still a great deal to learn in fully understanding the link between pet nutrition and cognition. This article focuses on some important topics and theories. Its conclusion is that early detection and multi-disciplinary intervention (medical, environmental, and nutritional) may slow the rate of cognitive decline, supporting the human-animal bond and the patient’s well-being.

A. May, Kimberly and P. L. Dorothy. Nutrition and the aging brain of dogs and cats. JAVMA. Dec 1, 2019. Vol 255. No 11.