by Cats develop dementia similar to people with Alzheimer’s disease, which, according to scientists, leads to hope for a breakthrough in research.
Experts from the University of Edinburgh carried out a post-mortem brain examination on 25 cats that had symptoms of dementia in life, including confusion, sleep disorder and an increase in vocalization, in an offer to examine new treatments for humans.
Before that, researchers have investigated genetically modified rodents, although the species of course do not suffer from dementia.
In cat-like dementia housings, a structure of amyloid beta, a toxic protein and one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease was found, which led to the hope of a “wonderful” breakthrough due to increased accuracy.
The breakthrough was celebrated by scientists who have worked on it as a “perfect natural model for Alzheimer’s”.
Microscopy images showed a structure of amyloid beta within synapses of older cats and cats, and scientists hope that the results offer a clearer idea of how amyloid beta can lead to physical cognitive dysfunctions and memory loss and offer a valuable model for the study of dementia in humans.
Synaps enable the flow of messages between brain cells, and the loss of them leads to reduced memory and the ability to think in humans with Alzheimer’s.
The researchers found evidence that brain support cells, astrocytes and microglia support the affected synapses, which are called synaptic circumcision, an important process during brain development, which, however, contribute to dementia.
Experts believe that the results of the development of new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease could contribute and help to understand and manage dementia of cats.
Before that, scientists who examined Alzheimer’s, were based on genetically modified rodent models. Hopefully the examination of cat dementing has the potential to help develop human treatments due to the increased accuracy.
The study funded by Wellcome and British dementia research is published in the European Journal of Neuroscience and included scientists from the universities of Edinburgh and California, the British Demenz research institute and Scottish brain sciences.
Dr. Robert McGeachan, guide leader of the Royal School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh (Dick), said: “Dementia is a devastating disease – whether they affect people, cats or dogs. Our results underline the striking similarities between dementia and Alzheimer’s in humans.
“This opens the door to examine whether promising new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease could also help our aging pets.
“Since cats develop these brain changes naturally, they can also offer a more precise model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals, which ultimately benefits both types and their caregivers.”
Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, personal chairman of cat medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “Cat dementia is so stressful for the cat and her person.
“Such studies will understand how to best treat them. This will be wonderful for the cats, their owners, people with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.
“Cat remembrance is the perfect natural model for Alzheimer’s – everyone benefits.”
