Pets Corner

Ageing Cats & Dogs

Pets Corner with Leonie St Clair | www.londondogstraining.co.uk

Like humans, cats and dogs may suffer significant changes in cognitive function as they age. Canine and feline cognitive dysfunction is in some ways not dissimilar to human Alzheimer’s, in that both involve amyloid plaques, impaired glucose metabolism, and free oxygen radical damage. It is thought that half of the cat population over 11 will suffer some some sort of decline and dogs may succumb earlier. Owners can be caught out in two ways.

The first mistake is to assume that any cognitive decline is just a matter of old age and that nothing can be done. This is actually incorrect as changes in behaviour can be early signs of a treatable medical condition. Additionally, behavioural change can also mean your older animal is in pain and you certainly want to be able to relieve that. The second error is to interpret behavioural changes associated with cognitive decline as your animal choosing to be naughty, wilful or spoilt.

This can really catch owners out. A classic scenario is sudden changes in elimination where the housetrained cat or dog starts to have accidents indoors. So many of us fail to make the connection that there may be a medical explanation and just blame the animal for doing something we feel it knows it should not.

There are some key areas to consider:

Social Behaviour

Your normally friendly cat or dog may become much more clingy and attention seeking, much more withdrawn or not appear to recognise you.

Activity

Self-neglect, stops grooming herself, less exploratory/ disinterested and less responsive to events and interactions, eats less or constantly asks for food.

Anxiety & Irritability

Inability to settle, increased vocalisation, new aggressive behaviour.

Change In Sleep Patterns

Often awake at night but sleeps more in the day, restless at night.

Confusion & Spatial Disorientation

Staring into space or fixating on objects, getting stuck in corners, inability to navigate familiar territory, getting lost in familiar locations.

Diagnosis & Treatment

All of the above may be symptoms of a host of treatable medical conditions so a full veterinary check is crucial. Once other medical disorders are excluded only then can a diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction be made. Even then owners should not give up hope, there are medications and dietary supplements that may help slow the speed of decline and treat any associated anxiety. Disorientation can be reduced by keeping home environments as predictable as possible- don’t move food bowls or litter trays around, avoid moving furniture. Keeping your pet physically and mentally active and at a good weight can possibly help prevent Cognitive Dysfunction and promote overall health. Keeping up with play and brainwork, at a level your pet can cope with, is also important. Most of all, changes in behaviour are often the first sign there is a medical issue, so a trip to the vet is imperative.

Hormone Therapy: Is it for me? www.lilibalanceclinic.co.uk

For some women, the perimenopause and menopause can bring a confusing array of new symptoms such as poor sleep, irritability, low mood and brain fog. The typical symptoms of hot flushes and night sweats often do not occur until a few years into the perimenopause. Women can feel like they are going mad, can’t cope at work and struggle to maintain intimate relationships. Lifestyle measures can help such as diet, exercise, reducing alcohol and caffeine and cutting out sugar. But for some this is not enough. So who should take hormone replacement therapy? For the vast majority of women aged 40-60 years, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. Every woman is different and needs to be considered individually. Taking HRT before the age of 50 is not associated with any increased risk. The risk of breast cancer has been a reason that women have avoided taking HRT or have been declined HRT by health professionals. We now know that the risk of breast cancer can be reduced by taking bioidentical oestrogen, and that the previous Women’s Health

Initiative (WHI) study over-reported the risks of breast cancer. To put some perspective on this, drinking a glass of wine each night increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer more than HRT.

Obesity (BMI greater 30) more than doubles the risk of developing breast cancer over 5 years. So it’s important to remember that HRT is just one risk factor for breast cancer and this risk is actually very low for the majority of women.

Which hormones do I need?

Most of the symptoms of the perimenopause and menopause are caused by low levels of progesterone and oestrogen. Oestrogen is important for body temperature regulation, blood flow, memory and concentration, mood, libido, bone health, muscle mass, collagen levels in skin and a healthy heart. Progesterone also has many benefits such as mood regulation, improved sleep, protection against endometrial cancer, bone protection, energy and maintaining muscle mass. Progesterone levels decline faster than oestrogen levels during the perimenopause which can result in irregular cycles, heavy periods, headaches, and mood swings. So progesterone therapy is often more important than oestrogen in the initial treatment of the peri-menopause. There is a misconception that women who have had a hysterectomy do not need progesterone, however progesterone and oestrogen have complimentary effects and are best given together. For some women testosterone replacement may also be helpful for symptoms such as low libido and energy.

How long should I take HRT?

You can take HRT for as long as you need it. Some women take it for two to three years, others choose to take it well into their 60’s, 70’s or even 80’s! There is no need to stop taking HRT provided you are in good health and have annual reviews with your doctor.

What are the benefits?

Most women take HRT to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, headaches, low mood and sleep problems. Other benefits include protection against thinning of the bones, cardiovascular protection, improvement in urogenital symptoms and sexual function, improved cognitive function and memory.

What Is Bioidentical HRT?

Bioidentical hormones are similar in structure and chemical composition to your body’s own hormones. They are produced from natural sources such as yams. Older forms of synthetic HRT have a higher risk and side effect profile. Bioidentical hormones include oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone. They are better tolerated than synthetic hormones and their dose can be easily adjusted to a woman’s needs. Dr Tanya Patrick | info@lilibalanceclinic.co.uk

Sarah Pylas In Memory

As well as being a friend, Sarah was an amazing person to work with and helped me so much with my magazines and Around Dulwich. Here is a selection of my favourite photos she used in her fantastic monthly column.

The Last Word - Sarah Pylas

This article was first printed in SE22 in December 2013 | www.grenglish.co.uk

Sarah is a local blogger who writes the award nominated blog Grenglish. She has also contributed articles to the Huffington Post and Red online; blogs and tweets on behalf of the East Dulwich WI; and recently started looking after SE Magazines’ blog, Around Dulwich. How long have you lived in the area and what brought you here?

Love. I moved to the area around 6-years ago to live with the man who would later become my husband. I was living and working in West London when we first met, so it was not the most convenient decision at the time, but one I made with my heart. Ahhhhh… The one thing you couldn’t do without?

WI-FI. Not only is my job writing on the internet, but it is also where I do all my banking, organise our family calendar, pay for school lunches, book flights, research the best offers on Spiderman costumes; and watch box-sets of all the shows I missed when they came out on the telly. The most famous person you’ve met?

Lady Gaga follows me on Twitter, does that count? Note from Editor – Yes! Do you belong to any groups?

I have been a member of the East Dulwich WI for 3-years and I still don’t know how to make jam. I go along for the wine. Coffee or tea? Where?

Tea! Usually at home, out of a ginormous mug. So ginormous, the tea often gets cold before I get to the bottom of it, so I just keep refilling it all day long. Describe your perfect weekend

Family, friends, roast chicken, red wine. What is your favourite place to eat?

I have been gluten-free for about 10-months, so menu choices can sometimes be quite limiting when eating out. However, most restaurants in East Dulwich are very good at advising which dishes are safe to eat. Although, you can’t go wrong with a steak at Franklins. The confit chicken with a side of spicy courgette chips at The Actress is pretty tasty too! The best kept secret...

Jo Partridge on North Cross Road. Everyone assumes this is my natural hair colour, but I am really grey underneath and book in for a cut & colour every 7-weeks ssssssshhhhhh. Ask for Emily, Miranda or Jackie. They are miracle workers. Your favourite place to go for a drink?

Before our son was born, my husband and I loved Franklins on a Saturday afternoon. Now, if we fancy a cheeky glass of red, we will most likely go to The Herne, which is in walking distance from our house and has a play area to entertain our 4-year old. The Actress is great for catching up with friends over a glass (or 3) of fizz, but on a recent school mum’s night out, I discovered The Rose and it might be my new favourite. The book I’m reading at the moment..

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) by The Bloggess. My secret ambition..

See above. To be able to turn my blog into a book would be amazing.

Sunday 15 May: Dulwich Park Fair 2022

12pm - 5pm. Dulwich Park Fair will be opening the Dulwich Festival this year! It is a free outdoor, family friendly event that includes a Fun Fair, Vauxhall City Farm, Punch and Judy, the Magician and Donna Maria’s maypole. Lapdog Photo Productions are organising the dog show again so bring your four-legged friends to compete for waggiest tail, the best trick, or the rescue dog category. It is £2 to enter, and all proceeds will go to charity. The stage by the café and the display area will feature local musicians, brass bands, choirs, and dance acts of all ages. There will be a large variety of food, craft, drink, and charity stalls too. Dulwich Park Fair has been supported by a grant from Southwark’s Council’s Neighbourhoods Fund and Dulwich Park Friends help Southwark Council organise the event. Limited parking – please come by public transport to Dulwich Park, walk or cycle.

Dulwich Park, College Road, London SE21 7BQ

Sunday 15 May: Music at St Giles. Lucy Melvin performs music for Solo Violin

5:00pm – 6:00pm. Lucy Melvin performs a programme of music for solo violin as part of the Music at St Giles Spring season. Programme to include J.S. Bach Partita in E Major, S. Prokofiev Solo Violin Sonata, and Wendy Hiscock Caprice. Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ chamber-players 10 full /£7 (ages 13-18) / free (ages 12 and under. St Giles Church, Camberwell Church Street, SE5 8RB

Monday 16 May: Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting: Dulwich

5:30pm-8pm (registration from 5.30pm). The Entrepreneurs Circle Local Meeting is a new type of Business Growth Meeting (with some networking) that’s guaranteed to help your business grow... because as well as good old networking, our meetings always have a featured content session where we share a practical marketing tactic or strategy that you can use in your business to get more customers and make more sales! IMPORTANT: this event is exclusively for Members of Entrepreneurs Circle so you’ll either need to sign up (for free) at the event, or go to: www.entrepreneurscircle.org/join to sign up. The Clock House (Upstairs) 198a Peckham Rye, East Dulwich, SE22 9QA.

Thursday 19 May: Get Changed: Finding the new you through fashion by

Kat Farmer 7:30pm – 8:30pm

Get Changed is for the countless women out there who are wondering whether they know who they are anymore. Kat Farmer delivers the personal stylist experience to readers, a step-by-step practical guide to building the ultimate new wardrobe. Most importantly, Kat will show that finding your confidence again and discovering the new you can be as simple as getting changed. Village Books and Alleyn’s School Enterprises are proud to be working with Smart Works for this event. Smart Works is a UK charity that exists to give women the confidence they need to reach their full potential, secure employment, and change the trajectory of their lives. The event will also include a raffle for a highvalue hamper and a personal styling session with Kat. *A portion of all tickets sales and 100% of raffle sales will go to Smartworks*

Tickets can be booked www.mct.alleyns.org.uk

The Great Hall, Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, Dulwich, SE22 8SU

Saturday 21 May: ENSEMBLE26 Music for a Summer’s Evening

9:30am. enSEmble26 are a collective of passionate musicians devoted to sharing their love of music through outstanding concerts in their local community. Fauré’s fabulous Piano Quartet and Lili Boulanger’s exquisite string trio will form the back bone of this sensuous and uplifting summer concert. For more information and for tickets go to

www.ensemble26.com

St John the Evangelist, 1 Sylvan Road SE19 2RX

Saturday 21 May: Gok’s Fitness Hub, 20-30 Min FREE HIIT Classes 11am-3pm

Join and enjoy a great outdoor fitness park HIIT session (FREE) in Dulwich Village. GOK’s HIIT Classes are fast-paced, mainly weight-based workouts that’s specifically designed to help you get lean, toned and fit. We’ll do tons of cardio as well as core and abs in between your strength exercises! For booking and reservations go to

www.gokayfitness.com/class

Gok’s Fitness Hub (entrance on Gallery Road next to Dulwich Village Orchard), Gallery Road.

Sunday 22 May: The Goose Green Fair

12pm-5pm. A festive celebration of culture and community, the Goose Green Fair is a wonderful day out for all the family. From bouncy castles to a beer tent, handmade children’s clothing to homemade cakes, designer jewellery to local photography, the Dulwich Festival Fair at Goose Green will bring together the essence of SE22. Nibble delicious food from an incredible range of stalls while local youth showcase their talents with art displays and special performances! Stay and enjoy a drink while the children choose a fun face painting design! And of course, the ever popular donkey rides will be back this year!

Goose Green, East Dulwich Road, SE22 9AT.

Tuesday 24 May: Russia: Revolution and Civil War 1917-1921 by Antony Beevor

7:30pm -8:30pm. We’re delighted that bestselling author Antony Beevor will be coming back to Dulwich in May! Antony will be discussing his new book Russia: Revolution and Civil War 1917-1921 with Sam Leith, Literary Editor of The Spectator Magazine. Between 1917 and 1921 a devastating struggle took place in Russia following the collapse of the Tsarist empire. Antony Beevor’s books have been appeared in thirty-three languages and sold over eight million copies. Antony’s last book Arnhem: The Battle for the Bridges, 1944 was an instant Sunday Times bestseller. This is an event with Village Books and Alleyn’s School Enterprises and tickets can be purchased at: www.mct.alleyns.org.uk. The MCT at Alleyn’s, Alleyn’s School, Townley Road, East Dulwich SE22 8SU

Friday 27 May: The Copper Family, Chris Lamb, Creeping Jane

7pm -11pm. The Copper Family of Rottingdean have been singing their songs for generations, lovingly preserving them for the future. Chris Lamb is a regular at Goose singarounds and is well known on the London folk scene for his strong voice and vast repertoire of songs.

Creeping Jane are Nyge and Sue, who run The Goose Is Out! They sing a cappella, sometimes in unison and sometimes in harmony, sometimes traditional folk songs and sometimes not. Tickets are £14 advance, £16 on the door. For advance tickets, please go to:

www.wegottickets.com/thegooseisout

Please see our website for up to date details of the Covid precautions we are taking at our events. The Ivy House, 40 Stuart Road, London, SE15 3BE

To get your listing here contact: angela@semagazines.co.uk

Wednesday 25 May: Cooking with Scissors

6.45pm-8pm. An opportunity for local business professionals to meet, make new contacts and gain new business. The last Wednesday of every month. Free Admission. To find out more or register visit: www.cookingwithscissors.co.uk The Lordship Pub, 211 Lordship Lane SE22 8HA

Monday 30 May: A book signing with Jacqueline Wilson

3:00pm -5:00pm. This is your chance to meet Jacqueline Wilson as she signs copies of her new book: The Magic Faraway Tree: A New Adventure. This is the first book in the Magic Faraway series written by anyone other than Enid Blyton. *This

is Jacqueline’s only London book signing so don’t miss out!*

Milo, Mia and Birdy are on a countryside holiday with their parents when they wander into the Enchanted Wood. Among the whispering leaves, there is a beautiful tree that stands high above the rest. They soon discover that the Magic Faraway Tree is home to some remarkable creatures, including a fairy called Silky, her best friend Moonface and a whole host of talking animals. Together the siblings explore the Faraway Tree and the extraordinary places they discover above it. In a gorgeous hardback package beautifully illustrated throughout by Mark Beech, this is a book that will be treasured by existing Faraway Tree fans of all generations, as well as readers who are discovering the magic of the Faraway Tree for the first time. Tickets can be purchased from village books website:

www.village-books.co.uk/events

Village Books, 1d Calton Avenue, SE21 7DE