The experts call dementia (senility) in cats and dogs ‘Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome’. Fine but it makes it sound more complicated. When I think of dementia in companion animals and humans I think of a gradual decline and really nothing to stop it. That’s the clear message you get from all the television reports. But there is a product which is said to work in companion animals. It is called Aktivait – a food supplement. My research indicates that it positively works for dogs but one study says that it is unclear if it works for our feline friends. The infographic sums up my research. I have added some more details below the image.
Note: having researched the potential benefits of the ingredients of this product, I would tend to disagree with the findings of the study mentioned that Aktivait has not been proven to improve cognitive function in elderly cats. I would certainly think that it was worth trying but please take note of the warning in the Infographic. Aktivait for dogs should not be used on cats. That is a very important point.
Aktivait ingredients
DHA/EPA (as fish oil) 35 mg
N-Acetyl cysteine 30 mg
Vitamin C 20 mg
L-carnitine 13.5 mg
Vitamin E 10mg
Acetyl L-carnitine 5 mg
Coenzyme Q10 1.5 mg
Phosphatidylserine 1.5 mg
Selenium 25 mcg
Explaining the uses of these substances to improve cognition
Does fish oil help with memory? Apparently, yes because omega-3 fatty acids support good brain health. They support the functions of the brain which of course includes memory and thinking.
I’m told that DHA is an essential brain food. It boosts neurotransmission, cognition, memory and reduces brain inflammation.
N-Acetyl cysteine has ability to replenish glutathione and regulate brain glutamate levels which can boost brain health. The neurotransmitter glutamate is involved in memory functions, behaviour and learning. The antioxidant glutathione helps to reduce brain cell oxidative damage due to ageing.
Ascorbate (vitamin C) is said to be a vital antioxidant molecule in the brain. The brain relies on dietary sources of vitamin C. And animal studies have shown that vitamins C plays an important role in neurodevelopment. It influences neuronal differentiation and the general development of neurons and myelin formation.
Acetyl-L-carnitine, I’m told, is sometimes used for Alzheimer’s disease in people. It is designed to improve memory and general cognition. It can treat symptoms of depression and reduces nerve pain in people suffering from type II diabetes.
Vitamin E is an important antioxidant. It mainly protects cells from damage due to oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The brain is susceptible to oxidative stress. This increases in ageing and is thought to be a major contributor to neurodegeneration.
Tests have shown that in people coenzyme Q 10 increases brain and mitochondrial concentrations. The effects they say might be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance. It’s called phospholipid and it protects the cells in the brain. It also carries messages between the cells. Veterinarians believe that Phosphatidylserine plays an important role in keeping memory and mind sharp. And animal studies have suggested that the level of this substance in the brain decreases in elderly cats.
Selenium helps to protect against oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation according to a scientific study. And there is also evidence in studies that selenium supports neurotransmission by maintaining redox balance.
Signs of senility
For the sake of completeness, I will briefly touch on the signs of senility in domestic cats although I think it’s pretty clear. But they are subtle and therefore some cat owners might not readily spot them. Senile domestic cats may demonstrate the following symptoms:
- A blank expression
- Stereotyped pacing which is continuous or repetitive
- Poor self-grooming despite issues regarding pain having been dealt with
- Disorientation such as a delay in recognising people with whom they are familiar and/or places and objects
- Becoming lost when in familiar surroundings
- Specifically, going to the wrong side of a closing door when they’ve just asked to go through it
- And there will be changes in sleeping patterns such as increased daytime sleeping
- Decreased night-time sleeping
- Increased disturbed sleeping patterns
- And there might be changes in social activities such as decreased enthusiasm to greet their caregiver
- A slowing down of speed in response to requests
- A lack of interest in play where once they were interested
- Less desire to play with other cats
- Increased irritability
- Incomplete social interactions.
Public approval
The cat owning public like Aktivait. It gets 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.o.uk. Here is a comment which is typical. Some cat owners reported no improvement or that it made things worse – “Did not work for our cat & made matters worse!” Caveat: Amazon reviews are not 100% reliable.
“My elderly cat has started showing early signs of dementia – walking into empty rooms and crying until someone goes to fetch her. My vet suggested I look at reviews for Aktivait and try them if I thought it was worthwhile. He did go out of his way to point out that they couldn’t reverse her dementia, but might help to slow it down. That said, I wasn’t expecting to see any immediate results. But in just a couple of days, she was crying less, and within a couple of weeks there was a vast improvement in both her behaviour and her appearance – her coat looks so much healthier than it has in a long time. Even my partner, who is a complete sceptic about such things, has had to admit they’ve had a significant effect on her!”
Conclusion
My conclusion is that it is worth trying for cats but please see your veterinarian first.
Below are some more articles on senility in cats.
