Cats Have Given Alzheimer's Scientists Hope For Breakthrough Research

Yahoo

a day ago

A study recently published in the European Journal of Neuroscience has found that cats appear to develop a version of dementia in similar ways to humans.
Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (also known as feline dementia) tends to develop as cats age. It affects their sleep, socialising, and sense of orientation.
As with humans, feline dementia seems to include a buildup of amyloid-beta proteins.
Per the new paper, cats with feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome also experience 'brain atrophy, neuronal loss, amyloid-beta plaques, tau pathology and cerebral amyloid angiopathy' – all processes suspected to be a part of human dementia development.
Why might this finding in cats help people with dementia?
The University of Edinburgh scientists looked at the brains of 25 cats who had died. They were of different ages, and some had 'feline dementia'.
After looking at 'powerful microscopy images', the researchers found a higher amyloid plaque buildup between the synapses of older cats and those with feline dementia.
The team also found that some cells in the brain engulfed, or 'ate', affected synapses (sometimes known as synaptic pruning).
Though this process is often helpful to keeping your brain healthy, in those with dementia, the loss of these synapses 'strongly predicts reduced memory and thinking abilities in humans with Alzheimer's disease', the University of Edinburgh explained.
The scientists say the apparent similarity between cat and human dementia development means felines could provide a 'naturally occurring, translational' model of dementia for future researchers.
Dr Robert McGeachan, the study's lead author, said: 'Dementia is a devastating disease – whether it affects humans, cats, or dogs.
'Because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may... offer a more accurate model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals, ultimately benefiting both species and their caregiver.'
Will this help cats with dementia, too?
The researchers highlighted the potential to help our pets with dementia through future research as well.
Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore, a co-author of the study, 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.'
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