Aging is a progressive and intrinsic decline in physiological functions, influenced by toxic environmental factors and limited genomic adaptability, such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
CDS negatively impacts the quality of life of pets and presents emotional and practical challenges for owners. Given its similarity to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, CDS has attracted attention as a potential target for nutrition-based interventions aimed at preserving cognitive function.
This recent systematic review, conducted by French researchers, evaluates the effectiveness of enriched diets and nutraceuticals in improving cognitive function in aging companion animals.
A literature search was performed using PubMed, CAB Abstracts, Web of Science and Dimensions to identify clinical studies published in English that investigated the effects of enriched diets or nutraceuticals on cognitive function in elderly cats or dogs. The quality of the studies was assessed using a modified CAMARADES checklist. Thirty studies (27 in dogs and 2 in felines) published between 2002 and 2023 were reviewed.
Studies on enriched diets have generally demonstrated higher methodological quality than those on supplements.
EPA and DHA
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have been shown to induce significant benefits on cognitive abilities in elderly dogs and cats, especially when administered at the highest doses, suggesting their potential as effective interventions for cognitive decline. Although antioxidants alone have not demonstrated clear efficacy, they remain essential for protecting omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation, ensuring their long-term efficacy. Other supplements, such as S-adenosyl methionine, medium-chain triglycerides, homotaurine, and apoaequorine, have shown promising beneficial activities on cognitive status in elderly pets.
Reference
Blanchard, T., Eppe, J., Mugnier, A. et al. Enhancing cognitive functions in aged dogs and cats: a systematic review of enriched diets and nutraceuticals. GeroScience (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-025-01521-z
