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A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that cats could develop dementia in a similar way to humans.
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Findings could mean more accurate modeling of Alzheimer’s disease studies, which could lead to faster advances in research and treatment
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Researchers hope that the findings benefit both humans and cats alike.
new study It suggests that cats might do that develops dementia In a similar way to humans – and that could have important implications for the way we treat diseases in humans and cats as well.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh looked at the brains of 25 cats after 25 cats died, some of which showed signs of dementia while still alive. News Release It is listed on the university’s website.
Scientists have discovered the accumulation of a toxic protein called amyloid salts in the brain of cats that showed signs of postnatal illness, including confusion, unrest in sleep, increased vocalization, and tumors.
This is the same protein found in the brain of humans suffering from dementia. Alzheimer’s diseaseshowing similarities between the way human and cat conditions progress with each release.
Researchers say these findings are particularly important as Alzheimer’s disease research has historically relied on genetically modified rodents, noting that rodents do not develop their state naturally. Studying animals that develop disease naturally can lead to better research and faster progress.
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“Dementia is a devastating disease — whether it affects humans, cats, or dogs,” said Robert McGeechan, PhD, of the Royal School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, the study’s lead author.
“Our findings highlight the prominent similarities between people with feline dementia and Alzheimer’s, which opens the door to investigate whether new treatments for human Alzheimer’s disease can help our aging pets,” he added.
He continued, “Cats may provide a more accurate model of disease because they naturally develop these brain changes. Traditional experimental animalsultimately benefits both the species and its caregivers. ”
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Professor Daniel Gunmoor, a chair at a cat medicine school, said “everyone is profiting,” and said he is looking forward to the results of the study.
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“Dementia in cats is extremely painful for cats and their people. To conduct research like this is about understanding how best to treat them. This is great for cats, their owners. People with Alzheimer’s disease And their loved ones. Cat dementia is the perfect natural model of Alzheimer’s disease. Everyone benefits,” she said.
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