Cats Suffer from the Same Serious Disease as Humans. A Surprising Discovery Connects the Two Worlds

Cats may share more with humans than we realize—including one of the most serious neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have discovered that cats develop dementia similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for our feline companions.

A team of scientists analyzed the brains of 25 cats that showed signs of impairment before their deaths, including disorientation, difficulty interacting, memory lapses, and sleep problems. The results revealed the presence of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

Cats get Alzheimer's too

Scientists observed that in the brains of older cats, synapses—responsible for transmitting information between nerve cells—were damaged by amyloid-beta. This loss of neural connections leads to impaired memory and cognitive function.

Until now, dementia research has relied primarily on genetically modified rodents that don't naturally develop Alzheimer's. As Dr. Robert McGeachan of the University of Edinburgh's Royal School of Veterinary Studies notes, "Because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may also provide a more accurate model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals, ultimately benefiting both species and their caregivers."

Research is a chance for effective therapy

Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore, an expert in feline medicine, highlighted the practical implications of the discovery. "Dementia in cats is extremely stressful for both the animals themselves and their caregivers," she points out. Perhaps this research will lead to the development of an effective therapy to minimize the symptoms of feline Alzheimer's disease.

The research was conducted exclusively on the brains of deceased cats. PETA supported the researchers' ethical approach, but noted that it would oppose testing on living animals.

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