A study conducted by scientists at the University of Edinburgh has shown that cats, like humans, can suffer from dementia. According to Pravilamag, specialists examined the brains of 25 cats that exhibited signs of dementia.
These cats displayed symptoms such as disorientation, sleep disturbances, increased vocalization, and forgetfulness. During the study, clusters of a protein called beta-amyloid — a substance characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease in humans — were found in each brain sample. The researchers also noted that the disease damages synapses — the connections between nerve cells — in cats. This negatively affects signal transmission, memory, thinking, and the body’s daily activities.
According to one of the study’s authors, Dr. Robert McGichan, the similarities between dementia in cats and in humans help in finding new treatment methods. He believes that since the disease’s development mechanisms are very similar in both species, some medications developed for humans, including recently approved anti-amyloid drugs, may also benefit cats.
In the future, deeper research into cats’ brains will help better understand the development of Alzheimer’s disease in humans and accelerate the creation of more effective treatments.
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