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A new study from the University of Edinburgh has found that cats may develop dementia in a similar way to humans
The findings may mean more accurate modeling for Alzheimer’s studies, which could result in faster advancements in research and treatments
Researchers say the findings will hopefully benefit both humans and felines alike
A new study suggests that cats may develop dementia in a similar way to humans — and it could have important implications for the way we treat the disease in humans and felines alike.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh examined the brains of 25 cats after they died, some of which had shown signs of dementia while alive, per a news release published on the university’s website.
The scientists found a build-up of a toxic protein known as amyloid-beta in the brains of the cats that had exhibited signs of the disease in life, including symptoms like confusion, disrupted sleep, and increased vocalization, or meowing.
This is the same protein found in the brains of humans who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, indicating parallels in the way the conditions progress in humans and cats, per the release.
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Cat (stock image)
The researchers stated that these findings are especially significant because Alzheimer’s research has historically relied on genetically modified rodents, noting that rodents do not naturally develop the condition. Studying animals that develop the disease naturally could lead to better research and faster advancements.
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“Dementia is a devastating disease — whether it affects humans, cats, or dogs,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Robert McGeachan from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, per the release.
“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,” he added.
He continued, “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.”
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Test tubes (stock images)
Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore, the school’s Chair of Feline Medicine, also said she was hopeful about the results of the study, noting, “everyone benefits.”
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“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,” she said.
Read the original article on People
