The Role of Oxidative Stress in the Development of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Cats. Importance of Antioxidant Prevention and Therapy

Abstract

Open Access Review Article strategies conducted to improve the quality of life for pets when they reach an advanced age. As a general rule, cats 7 years or older -the age when many age-related diseases become more frequently observed -may be considered to be at risk for age-related problems [4]. As pets age, behavioral changes may be the first indication of declining health and welfare. This is particularly true for some of the most common problems associated with aging, such as pain, sensory decline, and Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Understanding age-related brain pathology and cognitive dysfunction is essential to fully appreciate the potential value of using biomarkers and/or cognitive status in the future diagnosis and treatment of CDS progression [5]. The aim of this review is to address the role of OS in the pathogenesis of CDS in cats. The currently available laboratory methods for OS assessment will also be discussed, providing reference values of measured oxidants and antioxidants according to the specieságe and gender. Finally, we will address the role of different antioxidant strategies for cats, with a preventive or therapeutic use. Age-related Behavioral Changes The increased incidences of age-related diseases often results in behavioral changes [6](Table 1), but is not always related to cognition. Cognition, in terms of animal behavior, refers to mental processes that cannot be observed directly. This includes memory, learning, consciousness and perception [5,7]. These processes allow animals to orient themselves in space, develop habits and recognition and reaction to human family members. A survey focused on older cats (aged 7-11 years) revealed that 36% of owners reported behavioral problems in their cats, and this increased to 88% in cats aged between 16-19 years. A later study suggested 28% of pet cats aged 11-14 years develop at least one geriatric-onset behavior problem, and this increased to more than 50% for cats of 15 years or older [8]. Taking a human being as a reference, the term dementia encompasses all those pathologies characterized by a state of