As our cats grow older, we expect to see certain changes. They may sleep more, play less, or move a little slower than they once did.
But sometimes what we may think is “normal aging” may actually be something more.
We sat down with Carter Easler, clinical researcher and Director of Education and Research with MycoCat to discuss recent research regarding Feline Cognitive Dysfunction (FCD) – sometimes referred to simply as feline dementia.
Approximately 28% of cats between 11 and 14 years of age show signs of cognitive decline, and that number increases to nearly 50% in cats over 15 years old.
We lived through this with our Oliver Twist – who at 16 years old started yowling loudly at night. Worried he may be in pain we took him in for all the tests. Everything came back perfect. That’s when we realized his yowling and occasional confusion was likely a cognitive issue.
The challenge with cognitive decline is it can be difficult to identify. It’s usually a process of elimination – when other testing and health evaluations all come back normal.
The good news? There may be more we can do to support cognitive health than we once realized.
Signs of Cognitive Decline in Cats
One of the most important things cat parents can do is learn to recognize the early signs.
Researchers often use the acronym DISHA to evaluate cognitive dysfunction:
- Disorientation – Appearing confused, getting “stuck” in corners, staring into space, or seeming lost in familiar surroundings.
- Interaction Changes – Becoming unusually withdrawn, clingy, or less interested in social interaction.
- Sleep Disturbances – Sleeping more during the day but becoming restless at night.
- House Soiling – Forgetting litter box habits or having accidents outside the box.
- Activity Changes – Reduced activity, less exploration, or changes in daily routines.
For cats specifically, researchers also look for:
- Increased vocalization or nighttime yowling
- Changes in grooming habits
- Neglecting self-care behaviors
Just as we experienced with our Oliver, many cat parents first notice unusual nighttime vocalizations. A cat who previously had predictable meows may suddenly begin crying out in the middle of the night or vocalizing as though they are confused or distressed.
What Causes Cognitive Decline?
Aging naturally affects the brain.
As cats grow older, a process called neurogenesis – the creation of new neurons – begins to slow. Over time, the brain becomes less efficient at repairing itself and maintaining healthy communication between nerve cells.
But aging isn’t the only factor.
Research suggests that several lifestyle factors may influence cognitive health, including:
- Chronic inflammation
- Poor diet
- Omega 3 deficiencies
- Lack of physical activity
- Stress
- Reduced mental stimulation
- Poor sleep quality
- Changes in the gut microbiome
In many ways, cognitive health is influenced by the overall health of the body.
The Inflammation Connection
Chronic low-grade inflammation has been identified as a significant contributor to cognitive decline in both humans and animals.
When inflammation remains elevated over long periods of time, it can negatively affect brain function and may accelerate age-related changes.
This is one reason why supporting whole-body health is so important.
A moisture-rich, species-appropriate diet, maintaining a healthy weight, supporting mobility, and encouraging daily activity may all play a role in protecting long-term cognitive health. This is another reason supplementing with Omega 3s is also so important in maintaining a healthy inflammation response.
Why Exercise Matters for the Brain
Many people think of exercise as something that benefits muscles and joints. But movement also supports the brain.
Physical activity increases circulation, improves oxygen delivery, and helps stimulate healthy neurological function.
This is particularly important for senior cats.
Cats with arthritis or mobility challenges often become less active, which may create a cycle of declining physical and cognitive health.
Interactive play sessions, climbing opportunities, food puzzles, and environmental enrichment can all help keep aging cats engaged mentally and physically.
Mental Enrichment: Use It or Lose It
Just as humans benefit from learning new things, cats benefit from novelty and stimulation.
Simple ways to encourage mental engagement include:
- Rotating toys regularly
- Introducing new scents
- Offering puzzle feeders
- Creating window-watching opportunities
- Teaching simple behaviors with positive reinforcement
- Providing safe, supervised outdoor experiences when appropriate
Small changes can help encourage curiosity and keep the brain active.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Researchers are increasingly recognizing the powerful relationship between the gut and the brain.
The gut microbiome influences immune function, inflammation, mood, behavior, and cognitive health.
A diverse and balanced microbiome may help support healthy neurological function, while imbalances in gut bacteria can contribute to inflammation and other health challenges.
This connection highlights the importance of digestive health as part of a comprehensive approach to supporting cognitive function.
Can Cognitive Decline Be Improved?
One of the most encouraging aspects of Carter Easler’s research involved a recently published study evaluating natural compounds of medicinal mushrooms known to support cognitive function.
Researchers monitored senior animals for 12 weeks and found that:
- 81% showed stabilization or improvement in cognitive scores
- Sleep quality improved significantly
- Nighttime rest interruptions decreased
- Daytime activity increased
- Markers associated with neurogenesis increased
- Inflammatory markers decreased
While no single intervention can stop aging, these findings suggest that supporting brain health may help improve quality of life and potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline.
Mushroom Support for Cognitive Health
Among the most researched is Lion’s Mane, a mushroom known for its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor and support neurogenesis.
Additional adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs often used to support cognitive function include:
- Lion’s Mane
- Reishi
- Cordyceps
- Turkey Tail
- Ashwagandha
- Bacopa monnieri
These natural compounds may help support:
- Brain function
- Healthy inflammatory responses
- Stress resilience
- Sleep quality
- Energy production
- Overall neurological health
A Proactive Approach to Aging
Perhaps the most important takeaway from our conversation with Carter is that cognitive decline should not simply be accepted as an inevitable part of aging.
While we cannot stop the passage of time, we can support our cats’ brains through:
- A moisture-rich, species-appropriate diet
- Daily movement and exercise
- Environmental enrichment
- Stress reduction
- Gut health support
- Anti-inflammatory lifestyle choices
- Targeted nutritional and mushroom support when appropriate
The earlier we begin supporting cognitive health, the greater the opportunity to help our cats remain vibrant, engaged, and connected to the world around them.
Growing older may be inevitable.
Losing quality of life doesn’t have to be.
Dive Deeper: Explore The Research
If you’d like to dive deeper into the research behind cognitive health, medicinal mushrooms, and healthy brain aging, here are a few of the studies we referenced while putting this article together.
The clinical study discussed in our interview with Carter Easler is particularly exciting because it doesn’t stand alone. Its findings build upon years of research exploring how chronic inflammation, neurogenesis, medicinal mushrooms, adaptogenic herbs, and nutrition influence brain health across both veterinary and human medicine.
While more feline-specific studies are certainly needed, the research below helps support many of the biological mechanisms Carter discussed, including reducing inflammation, supporting nerve growth, promoting neurogenesis, improving sleep quality, and protecting the aging brain.
Featured Clinical Study
- Evaluation of a Mushroom-Derived Nutraceutical for Canine Cognitive Decline (Ehrenzweig & Easler, 2025)
Supporting Research
Lion’s Mane & Neurogenesis
Ergothioneine & Cognitive Function
Mushroom Consumption & Mild Cognitive Impairment
Ashwagandha & Memory Support
Bacopa & Cognitive Performance
Canine & Feline Cognitive Dysfunction
- Canine and Feline Dementia: Diagnosis and Treatment (2012)
- Canine Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease: Clinical Insights to Solve a Shared One Health Problem (2023)
As always, research continues to evolve. Every study brings us one step closer to understanding how we can better support our cats throughout every stage of life. Our hope is that by combining emerging science with a proactive, whole-body approach to health, we can help more cats not only live longer – but thrive as they age.
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