Research conducted in the United Kingdom and California and published in the Journal of Feline Medicine shows that aging cats can develop changes in their brains that are similar to those found in humans with Alzheimer’s disease.
Humans that are affected with Alzheimer’s disease have a buildup of a specific protein inside nerve cells, preventing proper transmission of impulses to the brain. Veterinary researchers have identified a similar protein within the cat’s brain, providing evidence that cats can also develop this type of dementia. Essentially, these proteins cause tangles within the nerve cells so that the nerve signals become jumbled and are not correctly processed by the brain.
Alzheimer’s researchers suggest that good diet, mental stimulation, and companionship can reduce the risk of dementia in humans, and the veterinary researchers suggest that similar measures may reduce the risk in cats. The shorter lifespan of cats should allow researchers to assess the effects of diet, elevated blood pressure, and specific medications on the course of the disease in a more timely manner than in humans. This research has the potential to help both humans and their feline friends.
