Cats develop dementia similarly to humans
Previously, researchers have studied genetically modified rodents, although the species does not naturally suffer from dementia.
In feline dementia brains, a build-up was found of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein and one of the defining features of Alzheimer's disease, leading to hopes of a 'wonderful' breakthrough due to increased accuracy.
The breakthrough was hailed as a 'perfect natural model for Alzheimer's' by scientists who worked on it.
Microscopy images revealed a build-up of amyloid-beta within synapses of older cats and feline dementia, and scientists hope the findings offer a clearer idea of how amyloid-beta may lead to feline cognitive dysfunction and memory loss, offering a valuable model for studying dementia in people.
Synapses allow the flow of messages between brain cells, and losing these causes reduced memory and thinking abilities in humans with Alzheimer's.
Researchers found evidence that brain support cells, astrocytes and microglia, engulfed the affected synapses, known as synaptic pruning, an important process during brain development but which contributes to dementia.
Experts believe the findings could contribute to the development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, as well as help to understand and manage feline dementia.
Previously, scientists studying Alzheimer's relied on genetically modified rodent models. However, studying feline dementia has the potential to help develop human treatments, due to increased accuracy, it is hoped.
The study, funded by Wellcome and the UK Dementia Research Institute, is published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, and included scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and California, UK Dementia Research Institute and Scottish Brain Sciences.
Dr Robert McGeachan, study lead from the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: 'Dementia is a devastating disease – whether it affects humans, cats, or dogs. Our findings highlight the striking similarities between feline dementia and Alzheimer's disease in people.
'This opens the door to exploring whether promising new treatments for human Alzheimer's disease could also help our ageing pets.
'Because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may also offer a more accurate model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals, ultimately benefiting both species and their caregivers.'
Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, personal chair of Feline Medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: 'Feline dementia is so distressing for the cat and for its person.
'It is by undertaking studies like this that we will understand how best to treat them. This will be wonderful for the cats, their owners, people with Alzheimer's and their loved ones.
'Feline dementia is the perfect natural model for Alzheimer's – everyone benefits.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Cats develop dementia in a similar way to humans
Cats develop dementia in a similar way to humans with Alzheimer's disease, leading to hopes of a breakthrough in research, according to scientists. Experts at the University of Edinburgh carried out a post-mortem brain examination on 25 cats which had symptoms of dementia in life, including confusion, sleep disruption and an increase in vocalisation. They found a build-up of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein and one of the defining features of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery has been hailed as a "perfect natural model for Alzheimer's" by scientists who believe it will help them explore new treatments for humans. Dr Robert McGeachan, study lead from the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: "Dementia is a devastating disease - whether it affects humans, cats, or dogs. "Our findings highlight the striking similarities between feline dementia and Alzheimer's disease in people. "This opens the door to exploring whether promising new treatments for human Alzheimer's disease could also help our ageing pets. Microscopy images of older cats which had previously shown symptoms of feline dementia revealed a build-up of amyloid-beta within the synapses - the junctions of brain cells. Synapses allow the flow of messages between brain cells, and losing these causes reduced memory and thinking abilities in humans with Alzheimer's. The team believe the discovery in cats could help them get a clearer understanding of the process, offering a valuable model for studying dementia in people. Previously, researchers have studied genetically-modified rodents, although the species does not naturally suffer from dementia. "Because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may also offer a more accurate model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals, ultimately benefiting both species and their caregivers," Dr McGeachan said. Will this research benefit cats? The researchers found evidence that brain support cells - called astrocytes and microglia - engulfed the affected synapses. It's known as synaptic pruning, an important process during brain development but which contributes to dementia. Prof Danielle Gunn-Moore, an expert in feline medicine at the vet school, said the discovery could also help to understand and manage feline dementia. "Feline dementia is so distressing for the cat and for its person," she said. "It is by undertaking studies like this that we will understand how best to treat them. This will be wonderful for the cats, their owners, people with Alzheimer's and their loved ones." The animal rights campaign group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said the study appeared to have been conducted in a "respectful, non-invasive way" on the brain of cats that already died. However it said it would oppose any research that involved future experiments on live cats. The study, funded by Wellcome and the UK Dementia Research Institute, is published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, and included scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and California, UK Dementia Research Institute and Scottish Brain Sciences.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Cats with dementia could help develop Alzheimer's treatment says study
The brains of cats with dementia undergo similar changes to those in people with Alzheimer's, according to a new Scottish study Research has discovered that cats affected by dementia undergo similar changes in their brain to humans with Alzheimer's disease. These parallels could mark a new way of studying the condition and potentially finding a treatment say experts at the University of Edinburgh. The discovery not only provides fresh hope for tackling Alzheimer's in humans, but also offers the potential that cutting-edge therapies developed for people might eventually also help our elderly feline companions too. Traditionally, researchers have depended on genetically altered rodents for Alzheimer's studies. However, rodents don't develop dementia naturally the way humans and cats do. Cats also exhibit similar symptoms to humans, including heightened vocalisation, confusion and disturbed sleeping habits. Dr Robert McGeachan, the study's principal investigator from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: "Dementia is a devastating disease - whether it affects humans, cats, or dogs. Our findings highlight the striking similarities between feline dementia and Alzheimer's disease in people. "This opens the door to exploring whether promising new treatments for human Alzheimer's disease could also help our ageing pets. Because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may also offer a more accurate model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals, ultimately benefiting both species and their caregivers." The study examined the brains of 25 dead cats of various ages. It found those with dementia had a build-up of amyloid-beta in their synapses, mirroring the build-up seen in humans with Alzheimer's disease. The findings, published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, could shed light on the mechanisms behind this accumulation and its role in cognitive decline and brain dysfunction. Researchers noted in the cat brains that support cells appeared to be 'eating' away at the damaged synapses. This phenomenon is known as synaptic pruning. While synaptic pruning is essential for healthy brain development, it may also contribute to the synaptic damage associated with dementia. Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies said: "Feline dementia is so distressing for the cat and for its person. It is by undertaking studies like this that we will understand how best to treat them. This will be wonderful for the cats, their owners, people with Alzheimer's and their loved ones. Feline dementia is the perfect natural model for Alzheimer's, everyone benefits." The research was a collaborative effort involving experts from the Universities of Edinburgh and California, the UK Dementia Research Institute, and Scottish Brain Sciences, with backing from Wellcome and the UK Dementia Research Institute.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Joanne to put her best foot forward in memory walk challenge after mum's Alzheimer's diagnosis
Joanne Hill plans to take on Alzheimer Scotland's Memory Walk 2025 in a bid to raise much-needed funds for the charity organisation. An Ayrshire woman has revealed how her mum's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease has moved her to take part in an emotional fundraiser next month. Joanne Hill's mum Evelyn, 69, was diagnosed with the disease in 2022. Now Joanne plans to take on Alzheimer Scotland's Memory Walk 2025 in a bid to raise much-needed funds for the charity organisation. Joanne, 39, an office administrator from Ochiltree, will take on the walk with her sister Laura, 47 on Sunday, September 7, in Glasgow, Joanne said: 'My mum Evelyn is loving, caring, kind and generous. To me she is the best woman in the world and my best friend. 'We started noticing issues with her memory a few years ago and then in 2022 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, aged just 67. 'It was a shock, but one of the first things we were told about were Alzheimer Scotland groups at East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock. 'Mum went regularly and loved it – especially when there was a band or singer.' People across Ayrshire and beyond are being encouraged to sign up for next month's fundraising walk that pays tribute to people with dementia. Alzheimer Scotland's Memory Walk 2025 will raise vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health. Communities across the area are being invited to join the event at Crownpoint Sports Complex, on Crownpoint Road, where they can walk in memory of loved ones affected by the illness. Joanne revealed how the event in September will be a chance to honour her mum's Alzheimer's journey and give back to a charity close to her heart. She said: 'When I saw the adverts for Alzheimer Scotland's Memory Walk in Glasgow, I wanted to take part to raise awareness and much needed funds for a cause close to my heart. My sister Laura and I have already been out doing some training to prepare. 'I hope to honour mum's journey, celebrate her, and contribute in some small way to the work being done by Alzheimer Scotland.' Lorna Shand, Centre Manager at Alzheimer Scotland's Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre in Glasgow, said: 'Alzheimer Scotland is proud to support people living with dementia and their families and carers, from our centres here in Glasgow. 'We are delighted to host this Memory Walk in Glasgow. It is such a special event and it will be wonderful to walk alongside our supporters again in the local community. 'Scotland's Memory Walk has always had a wonderful ability to bring people together. Every pound raised helps Alzheimer Scotland continue to develop and deliver vital dementia support. We can't wait to see the Crownpoint Sports Complex filled with a sea of purple t-shirts.' The Glasgow event is the third of four memory walks taking place across Scotland throughout 2025. Events are taking place in Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Tickets cost just £10 for adults and children can be registered for free. It's quick and easy to set up a sponsorship page, which can be shared with family, friends and colleagues. Every penny raised will help people with dementia and their carers, as well as supporting better brain health for everyone in Scotland. Scotland's Memory Walk is also about celebrating the lives of people with dementia and walking to remember them. Joanne added: 'I want to help ensure that more people understand the reality of living with dementia, not only for those diagnosed but also for their families and loved ones. I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere, sense of community and shared purpose on the day.'
