Scientists have discovered that cats develop dementia in a strikingly similar way to humans with Alzheimer's disease, offering new hope for research into treatments. A study led by the University of Edinburgh examined the brains of 25 cats that had shown symptoms of dementia, such as confusion, sleep disruption and increased vocalisation.
The post-mortem analysis revealed a build-up of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, within the synapses of older cats. Synapses are crucial for communication between brain cells, and their loss is linked to memory and thinking decline in humans. The researchers also found evidence of synaptic pruning, where brain support cells engulf affected synapses, a process that contributes to dementia.
Previously, scientists relied on genetically modified rodents to study Alzheimer's, but these animals do not naturally develop the condition. The feline model is considered more accurate because cats naturally develop these brain changes. Dr Robert McGeachan, the study lead from the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: '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.'
Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, chair of Feline Medicine at the same institution, added: '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 study, funded by Wellcome and the UK Dementia Research Institute, is published in the European Journal of Neuroscience and involved scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and California, the UK Dementia Research Institute, and Scottish Brain Sciences. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and improve management of feline dementia.
