Dementia in dogs and cats: why a pro-active approach is important

Dementia in dogs and cats: why a pro-active approach is important

Dr Steven de Decker

Age related or geriatric neurological syndromes are becoming more prevalent and important due to the increased life expectancy of our pets. Cognitive dysfunction or ‘canine dementia’ is characterised by progressive altered mentation and dementia in older and geriatric patients. It is considered the veterinary analogue of human Alzheimer disease and has therefore been the subject of intense research. Clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome should not be confused with ‘normal ageing’. Early detection of disease is both challenging and important. Although the early signs are often misinterpreted as ‘normal ageing’, early detection of cognitive dysfunction allows prompt and appropriate treatment. The veterinary surgeon need to therefore adopt a pro-active role in diagnosing cognitive dysfunction in dogs and cats.

About our speaker

Steven de Decker

DVM, PhD, MvetMed, DipECVN, FHEA, PGCert Veted, MRCVS

European and RCVS recognised Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

Steven graduated from Ghent University in Belgium. After graduation, he performed there a Rotating Internship followed by a PhD about disk-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (‘wobbler syndrome’). Between 2010 and 2013, he completed a Residency in Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London. After becoming a board-certified specialist, he stayed at the Royal Veterinary College and is now Head of Service of the Neurology and Neurosurgery team. Although he is interested in all aspects of veterinary neurology, most of his research and publications focus on spinal disorders and neurosurgery. Steven has more than 85 publications in international scientific journals and presented most of his work at international conferences. He enjoys teaching and is therefore regularly involved in continuous professional development (CPD) events around the world.

Sponsored by