Scientists make Alzheimer's breakthrough during cat study
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh conducted post-mortem brain examinations on 25 cats that displayed dementia symptoms, identifying a build-up of amyloid-beta, a key protein associated with Alzheimer's.
This natural feline model is considered a "perfect natural model for Alzheimer's" due to its increased accuracy compared to genetically modified rodents previously used in studies.
Microscopy images revealed amyloid-beta accumulation within synapses of older cats and those with feline dementia, with brain support cells engulfing affected synapses, a process contributing to the disease.
These findings are anticipated to contribute significantly to the development of new treatments for both human Alzheimer's disease and the management of feline dementia.
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