As our feline friends get older, their cognitive health often suffers, just like ours can. Cats develop a type of dementia called feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or CDS. It’s common, too. It’s estimated that over a third of cats between 11 and 21 are impacted by it, while about half of cats over the age of 15 develop behavioral changes that can be linked with the disease. New research shows the changes in their brains resemble the changes in human Alzheimer’s, which means that studying dementia in cats could benefit them and us.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh recently compared the brains of 25 deceased younger, senior, and CDS-impacted cats to identify any changes linked with the disease. According to the findings, published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, the brains of older and CDS-impacted cats had amyloid-beta accumulations, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
The synapses impacted by these accumulations also experienced increased engulfment by microglia and astrocytes, which were also present in higher numbers. In a healthy brain, synapses connect brain cells, while astrocytes and microglia play a key role in neuron function in the central nervous system.
The findings suggest that physical brain changes in feline dementia are similar to those observed in Alzheimer’s, which not only helps us understand the disease in cats but may help us understand our own form of the disease. It could ultimately lead to treatments for both, as well. The researchers also say that because cats develop dementia on their own, it may be better to study how it impacts them versus mice, which have to be genetically engineered to develop the disease.
Dr. Robert McGeachan, lead researcher from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, says, “Dementia is a devastating disease – whether it affects humans, cats, or dogs. Our findings highlight the striking similarities between feline dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in people. This opens the door to exploring whether promising new treatments for human Alzheimer’s disease could also help our aging pets. Because cats naturally develop these brain changes, they may also offer a more accurate model of the disease than traditional laboratory animals, ultimately benefiting both species and their caregivers.”
If you have an older cat, you may wonder if they’re suffering from CDS. Symptoms include increased meowing, disorientation, disruptions in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, eliminating outside the litter box, and changes in interactions with people. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to set up an appointment with your veterinarian. The disease isn’t curable, but they may be able to provide some tips for managing it.
