Why dementia cats could help us find a remedy for Alzheimer’s disease

Cats develop dementia in the same way as humans with Alzheimer’s disease, which suggests a major advance in research, according to scientists.

Dementia is a general term designating symptoms such as memory loss and reasoning disorders, while Alzheimer’s disease is a specific neurodegenerative disease that triggers these symptoms.

Experts from the University of Edinburgh carried out a post-mortem cerebral examination of 25 cats with symptoms of dementia during their lifetime, in particular confusion, sleep disorders and increase in vocalizations.

They found an accumulation of beta-amyloid, a toxic protein and one of the decisive characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease.

This discovery was hailed as a “perfect natural model for Alzheimer’s disease” by scientists, who think that it will help them explore new treatments for humans.

Dr. Robert McGeachan, Head of the Royal Study (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies from the University of Edinburgh, said: “Dementia is a devastating disease, which she touches humans, cats or dogs. »»

“Our results highlight the striking similarities between feline dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in humans. »»

“This opens the way to the search for new promising treatments against human Alzheimer’s disease which could also help our aging pets. »»

“Microscopic images of elderly cats previously presenting symptoms of feline dementia have revealed an accumulation of beta-amyloid in synapses, brain cell junctions. »»

Synaps allow the circulation of messages between brain cells, and their loss leads to a decrease in memory and cognitive capacities in humans with Alzheimer’s disease.

The team believes that this discovery in cats could help better understand this process, thus offering a precious model for the study of dementia in humans.

Researchers have already studied genetically modified rodents, although this species does not naturally suffer from dementia.

“As cats naturally develop these brain changes, they could also offer a more precise model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals, which would be beneficial both for the species and for those who deal with it,” said Dr. McGeachan.

The researchers discovered that brain support cells, called astrocytes and microglia, engulfed affected synapses.

This phenomenon, called synaptic pruning, is an important process of brain development, but which contributes to dementia.

Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, expert in feline medicine at the veterinary school, said that this discovery could also help understand and manage feline dementia.

“Feline dementia is extremely painful for the cat and its master,” she said.

“It is by conducting studies like this that we will understand how to treat them as well as possible. It will be great for cats, their owners, people with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. »»

The association for the defense of animal rights people for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said that the study seemed to have been carried out in a “respectful and non -invasive” manner on the brain of cats already deceased.

However, she said that she would oppose any research involving future experiences on living cats.

The study, funded by Wellcoma and the UK Dementia Research Institute, is published in the European Journal of Neuroscience and includes scientists from the universities of Edinburgh and California, the UK Dementia Research Institute and Scottish Brain Sciences.