Old cats can develop Alzheimer's disease just like ageing humans, according to a new study.
Credit: istockphoto
SYDNEY: Ageing cats can develop a feline form of Alzheimer's disease, a new international study has revealed.
A key protein that can build up in the nerve cells of a cat's brain and cause mental deterioration has been identified by scientists at universities in the U.S. and Britain.
"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 [what] we see in human Alzheimer's sufferers," said co-author Danielle Gunn-Moore, of the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
In humans with Alzheimer's disease, this protein creates 'tangles' inside nerve cells which inhibit messages being processed by the brain. The team, reporting in the Journal of Feline Medicine, says that the presence of this protein in cats is proof that they too can develop this type of disease.
Scientists already thought cats were susceptible to dementia because previous research had identified thick, gritty plaques on the outside of elderly cats' brain cells which are similar to those found in humans.
Pinpointing the second key marker, though, was vital to making sure it was really Alzheimer's at work. "The gritty plaques had only hinted that might be the case - now we know," said Gunn-Moore.
"The shorter life-span of a cat, compared to humans, allows researchers to more rapidly assess the effects of diet, high blood pressure, and prescribed drugs on the course of the disease. However, we also need to understand more about our geriatric cats for their own benefit, so we can slow down the degeneration the disease brings and keep them as happy cats for as long as possible."
"As with humans, the life expectancy of cats is increasing and with this longer life runs the greater chance of developing dementia. Recent studies suggest that 28 per cent of pet cats aged 11 to 14 years develop at least one old-age related behaviour problem and this increases to more than 50 per cent for cats over the age of 15."
Experts suggest that good diet, mental stimulation and companionship can reduce the risk of dementia in both humans and cats. Gunn-Moore explained: "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 is also helpful in warding off dementia, so a cat owner sharing healthy meals like chicken and fish with their pet will benefit them both."
The new findings may eventually help scientists come up with novel treatments for Alzheimer's by examining cats who suffer from, or have succumbed to, the disease.
with the University of Edinburgh
Cats and Alzheimer's
My Cat Garfield is about 17 years old (Human years) and he is showing signs of this ailment. He wonders around the house and Meows, stares off into the corner or the wall looks left and right all the time, sits on my wife and I a lot now. I think his sight and hearing is going as well.
Garfield and dementia
My beautiful chocolate point Twiggy is also showing the same signs as Garfield, although she has been on Millophyline for a heart condition and I am told this can be one of the side effects. When is it time to let them go?
Jacky and Dementia
Our Jacky is 15 yeras old(we have had her since the was a 7 weeks old) and has never run away , now she seems to run away (only just down the road)but when we didn't know were she was she was gone for three weeks and it was like she didn't know us, then she did she was very confused.
she crys alot.she has a good life I am worried she is going to get hurt .When is it time to let go?
Letting go
A cat with dementia should be kept exclusively inside (in fact, all cats should be kept exclusively inside - both for their own good, and for the good of birds).
My opinion on "when it is time to let go": when the cat's quality of life has deteriorated to the point that there is no quality of life. Obviously, if the cat is in serious pain that can't be treated, there is likely no quality of life. Many vets are very good at speaking with you about these things, and there are internet resources. If the cat merely suffers from dementia, but isn't in pain, is an indoor cat, and eats/drinks ok, I wouldn't euthanize. You might, however, think about restricting the cat to just a room or two (and keep food, water, & litter box prominent if the cat seems to not be able to figure their way around.
MISSIE AND ALZHEIMERS
My cat is 17 years old and is also showing similar signs. She wanders around meowing loudly, as if lost, and wakes us up at all hours doing this. Is she likely to develop problems with toileting soon?
My cat has alzheimers?
Our cat Pseudo is only 13 years old and is now bringing discarded socks (my son leaves them on the back deck) in her cat door while crying loudly. Takes them most of the way to someone. She was desexed at six months and has never had kittens. What is the theory that you let them have one litter of kittens? Only more kittens to find homes for. Makes it nearly pointless to desex them. We are trying to work out if she thinks she has caught the sock or if she thinks it is a kitten?!
The myth about allowing cats
The myth about allowing cats to have one litter is simply a myth.
There is no truth to it (just why would it matter?)
The myth about allowing cats
The myth about allowing cats to have one litter is simply a myth.
There is no truth to it (just why would it matter?)
Just a myth
The myth about allowing cats to have one litter is simply a myth.
There is no truth to it (just why would it matter?)
habibi and dementia
Our cat is also 17 yrs old and is exhibiting the same behavior. He is siamese so his vocal cords are very strong! he misses our daughter who has been his primary care giver since he was kitten. habibi never had an accident outside of the litter box and although he is upset by our daughters absence he continues to use his litter box faithfully.I tend to beieve as long as there are no physical ailments and he has always had good litter box habits it shouldn't be a problem. The remedy to forgetfulness might be logistics...keep the box in very close proximity to his favorite sleeping area-hopefuy t isn't in your favorite sleeping place. Habibi has trouble getting to certain rooms but seems to always make it to his "box"
we have no idea how to keep him from waking us up. I am a lighter sleeper than my husband so it is more an issue for me.Its driving me crazy!