Scientists discover the household pet that develops dementia like a human
Scientists make Alzheimer’s breakthrough during cat study
- Scientists have discovered that cats develop dementia in a manner strikingly similar to humans with Alzheimer's disease, offering a new avenue for research.
- Researchers at the University of Edinburgh conducted post-mortem brain examinations on 25 cats that displayed dementia symptoms, identifying a build-up of amyloid-beta, a key protein associated with Alzheimer's.
- This natural feline model is considered a "perfect natural model for Alzheimer's" due to its increased accuracy compared to genetically modified rodents previously used in studies.
- Microscopy images revealed amyloid-beta accumulation within synapses of older cats and those with feline dementia, with brain support cells engulfing affected synapses, a process contributing to the disease.
- These findings are anticipated to contribute significantly to the development of new treatments for both human Alzheimer's disease and the management of feline dementia.