Cats with Dementia Show Alzheimer's Brain Changes, Study Finds

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have found that dementia in cats closely resembles Alzheimer's disease in humans, marked by similar brain changes, including the build-up of the toxic protein amyloid-beta. This discovery was made through post-mortem examinations of 25 cats exhibiting dementia symptoms such as increased vocalization, confusion, and disrupted sleep. The study revealed amyloid-beta accumulation within synapses, vital for brain cell communication, and observed synaptic pruning by support cells, which may contribute to cognitive decline. Unlike traditional rodent models that do not naturally develop dementia, cats provide a natural and potentially more accurate model for studying this condition. Scientists hope these findings will advance understanding and lead to new treatments for both feline dementia and human Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the potential of feline dementia as a valuable model to develop therapies benefiting both species.