Dementia in cats can develop similarly to Alzheimer's disease in humans, which opens up possibilities for major advances in research, scientists say.
Experts from the University of Edinburgh analyzed the brains of 25 deceased cats that had symptoms of dementia, including confusion, sleep disturbances and increased vocalizations.
They discovered the accumulated presence of toxic amyloid-beta protein, which is one of the characteristics of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have described the discovery as "a perfect natural model for Alzheimer's disease," which will help them research new drugs for humans.
"Dementia is a devastating disease, whether it affects humans, cats or dogs," says Robert McGeshan, who led the research at the University of Edinburgh's School of Veterinary Medicine.
"Our results show surprising similarities between dementia in cats and Alzheimer's disease in humans."
"This opens the door to exploring whether promising new Alzheimer's drugs could also help our aging pets," he added.
Microscopic images revealed the accumulation of amyloid-beta protein at synapses, the junctions between brain cells, in old cats that had symptoms of dementia.
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Thanks to synapses, messages are transmitted between brain cells, and their loss leads to reduced thinking and memory abilities in people suffering from Alzheimer's.
The team of scientists believes that this discovery can help them understand this process more clearly, providing an important model for studying dementia in humans.
Researchers have previously studied genetically modified rodents, although this species does not naturally develop dementia.
"Because cats naturally develop these brain changes, this provides a more accurate model of the disease than animals typically studied in laboratories," McGeshan said.
Will cats benefit from the research?
Researchers have found evidence that cells that protect and help neurons, known as astrocytes and microglia, engulf affected synapses.
This process is known as synaptic pruning, which is important during brain development but also contributes to the development of dementia.
This discovery could also help in understanding and treating feline dementia, says Professor Danielle Gan-Moore from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
"Dementia in cats is extremely stressful for both the cat and the owner."
"By doing research like this, we will understand how to best treat them."
"It will be great for cats, their owners, people with Alzheimer's and their loved ones," she said.
The research was published in a scientific journal European Journal of Neuroscience
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