Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 12: A new study has revealed that cats suffering from dementia exhibit brain changes similar to those found in humans with Alzheimer’s disease, positioning them as a potential natural model for advancing dementia research and treatments.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh discovered a buildup of amyloid-beta — the toxic protein closely linked to Alzheimer’s — in the brains of aging cats, particularly those showing symptoms of cognitive decline. The findings were published in the European Journal of Neuroscience.

Older cats with dementia often display behavioural changes like excessive meowing, confusion, and disrupted sleep, which mirror the symptoms observed in Alzheimer’s patients.

“These findings offer a clearer picture of how amyloid-beta contributes to age-related brain dysfunction and memory loss in cats,” said Robert I. McGeachan, lead author and researcher at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences.

Historically, Alzheimer’s studies have relied heavily on genetically engineered rodents, which do not naturally develop dementia. In contrast, cats do, making them a valuable real-world model for understanding the disease’s progression in both animals and humans.

The study examined the brains of 25 cats of varying ages after death, including those with evident signs of dementia. High-resolution microscopy revealed significant amyloid-beta accumulation within synapses — the critical communication points between brain cells. In humans, synaptic damage is a key driver of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.

Researchers also noted that support cells in the brain, known as astrocytes and microglia, were actively engulfing the damaged synapses — a process called synaptic pruning. While normal during brain development, this process may become harmful in old age, contributing to further memory loss.

“This discovery could open doors to better treatment options not just for cats, but also for people living with Alzheimer’s,” the researchers said, adding that continued study of naturally occurring dementia in animals could bridge longstanding gaps in neurodegenerative disease research.