Cats, too, can suffer from dementia, potentially paving the way for novel human treatments.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have discovered that cats, much like humans, develop dementia as part of the ageing process. This makes them a more realistic model for understanding the complexities of naturally occurring dementia, potentially paving the way for finding effective treatments for Alzheimer's in humans.

As cats age, they often develop accumulations of proteins known as 'amyloid-beta plaques' in their brains, similar to those found in human Alzheimer's patients. The new study found similar brain changes in cats with dementia-like symptoms as in humans with Alzheimer's.

Dr Robert McGeachan, lead author of the study, stated that cats could be a better model for Alzheimer's research. He explained, "Cats develop dementia spontaneously, which provides a more accurate representation of the disease in its natural state."

The researchers found that amyloid-beta plaques in cats' brains were linked with harmful changes, such as increased inflammation and evidence that glial cells were "engulfing" synapses. Synapses are the tiny junctions that allow brain cells to communicate, and their gradual loss is believed to underlie many of the memory and behavioral symptoms of dementia.

Prof Danièlle Gunn-Moore, co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of this research for improving the lives of cats, their owners, people with Alzheimer's, and their loved ones. She said, "Feline dementia is distressing for both the cat and its owner, and understanding its biology could lead to better treatments for the condition."

Cats share many of the same risk factors as humans, such as diet and air quality, which makes them a promising model for studying environmental triggers of dementia. Nearly a third of cats aged 11 to 14 exhibit at least one sign of feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), the veterinary term for the cat equivalent of dementia. For cats over 15, that figure jumps to more than half.

The study on cat dementia was based on 25 cats, and a larger sample size may be needed to "tease out the exact mechanisms" causing the clinical results. However, the findings have sparked excitement in the scientific community, with researchers believing that cats could potentially serve as a stepping stone towards finding effective treatments for Alzheimer's in humans.

Dogs may also provide another promising avenue for research, as they can develop dementia-like syndromes and share many similarities with cats. Symptoms of feline CDS, much like Alzheimer's, include changes in the sleep-wake cycle, disorientation, increased vocalization, and a desire for more comfort and attention from owners.

As the global population ages, the number of people living with Alzheimer's is expected to increase significantly. Roughly 1 in 9 people aged over 65 have Alzheimer's, and with global populations ageing, more than 150 million people could be living with the disease by 2050.

Understanding the biology of dementia in cats could lead to improved treatments not only for cats but also for humans. Alongside amyloid-beta, tau is another hallmark protein of Alzheimer's disease, but it was not examined in the cat study. Future research could focus on examining the role of tau in cat dementia, potentially providing further insights into the disease mechanisms and potential treatments.

In conclusion, the study on cat dementia has opened up a new avenue for Alzheimer's research. By studying cats, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of the disease and find effective treatments for both cats and humans.