Cats with dementia could hold the key to treating Alzheimer's in human beings

Scientists are turning their attention to an unexpected ally in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease: cats. New research reveals that older cats can naturally develop dementia with brain changes remarkably similar to those seen in humans with Alzheimer’s, including the buildup of toxic amyloid-beta proteins and loss of vital synapses.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, examined the brains of 25 cats of varying ages. Advanced microscopy revealed that cats with dementia had a significant accumulation of amyloid-beta within their synapses, the critical connections between brain cells that enable memory and cognition. Synapse loss, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s in humans, was also evident in the feline brains.

Interestingly, the research found that certain support cells in the brain, called astrocytes and microglia, were actively engulfing these damaged synapses. While this “synaptic pruning” is important during brain development, excessive pruning in older cats may contribute to cognitive decline, mirroring processes observed in human dementia.


Until now, much Alzheimer’s research has relied on genetically modified rodents, which do not naturally develop dementia. Cats, on the other hand, develop these brain changes naturally, making them a promising model for understanding the disease and testing potential treatments that could benefit both humans and their feline companions.

Behavioral signs of dementia in cats, such as increased vocalization, confusion, and disrupted sleep, closely resemble symptoms in humans, making it easier for pet owners to recognize and manage the condition. Beyond improving the lives of aging cats, these findings could accelerate the development of therapies for Alzheimer’s, offering hope to millions of people worldwide.

The research was funded by Wellcome and the UK Dementia Research Institute and published in the European Journal of Neuroscience.