Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a chronic, progressive disease with a range of clinical signs, including disorientation, changes in social interactions, alterations in sleep–wake cycles, house soiling (in a previously house-trained pet) and changes in activity and learning, writes Margaret E. Gruen, DVM. Therapeutics used to treat cognitive dysfunction syndrome are typically chosen to address clinical signs once they have been detected.
No drug is approved to prevent this malady. Only one drug, Selegiline, is approved for treatment of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, in dogs. Clinician understanding of the rationale and utility of available drugs is crucial, as is balancing medications, owner expectations, and potential drug interactions.
Source: Plumb’s Therapeutic Brief, December 2018. Link.Dr. Gruen reviews several pharmaceutical options.
Drug decisions should be based on clinical presentation, and patients should be monitored for treatment efficacy. It can be useful to prioritize the presenting signs to address those most pressing; for example, anxiety and changes to the sleep–wake cycle are often addressed first.