Paw Prints: Studies reveal that cats can develop Alzheimer’s, too

By Niki Laviolette
Special to the Tribune-Star

November 10, 2007 10:25 pm

— According to scientists at the University of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Bristol and California, a new study reveals that aging cats can develop feline Alzheimer’s disease. Mental deterioration can be caused by a protein that builds up in a cat’s nerve cells in the brain. With human Alzheimer’s disease, this protein generates “tangles” in the nerve cells that prevent the brain from being able to process messages. Scientists say this protein, present in cats, is evidence that they can develop this type of disease as well.
It was thought cats were vulnerable to dementia because of past research that had identified thick, gritty plaque on the exterior of brain cells of elderly cats similar to those found on humans. Dr. Danielle Gunn-Moore of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal School of Veterinary says: “We’ve known for a long time that cats develop dementia, but this study tells us that the cat’s neural system is being compromised in a similar fashion to that we see in human Alzheimer’s sufferers. The gritty plaques had only hinted that might be the case – now we know.”
Gunn-Moore adds that the shorter life span of a cat as compared to humans lets researchers study more rapidly the effects of high blood pressure, diet, and prescribed drugs during the duration of the disease. It’s also important to understand the disease better to be able to slow the degeneration process in order to increase a cat’s quality of life. The life expectancy of cats, like humans, is increasing; therefore, the chance is greater of developing the disease.
Studies imply that 28 percent of cats aged 11-14 years develop at least one behavior problem that is geriatric-related and for cats over age 15, this increases to more than 50 percent. It is suggested that a good diet, mental stimulation, and companionship can lower the risks associated with dementia in cats and humans. “If humans and their cats live in a poor environment with little company and stimulation, they are both at higher risk of dementia. However, if the owner plays with the cat, it is good for both human and cat. A good diet enriched with antioxidants also is helpful in warding off dementia, so a cat owner sharing healthy meals like chicken and fish with their pet will benefit them both.”
At the University of St. Andrews, in the School of Biology, Dr. Frank Gunn-Moore says of the research: “It has given us an insight into the molecular changes that are occurring in the degenerating brain. From this knowledge, we are now currently trying to develop new and novel treatments which will be able to help both cats and humans.”