A new study has revealed that cats with dementia exhibit brain changes similar to those of humans with Alzheimer’s. It could serve as a valuable model for researching the disease in humans and may lead to improved treatments for both humans and pets.
As cats age, they may start to exhibit unusual behaviors. They can appear confused, have trouble sleeping at night, or begin meowing more frequently. Although it may be simple to dismiss these symptoms as typical aging, they may indicate feline dementia, which is a more serious condition.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh discovered that cats with dementia exhibit brain abnormalities comparable to those observed in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. For the first time, scientists have conclusively connected the aging brains of cats to the harmful accumulation of amyloid-beta, a molecule long linked to Alzheimer’s. This finding provides new insights into the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on humans as well as on feline cognitive decline.
The European Journal of Neuroscience published the research findings [1].
About the Research
Many elderly cats experience dementia, which causes behavioral abnormalities such as increased vocalization (or meowing), disorientation, and disturbed sleep, symptoms that are comparable to those experienced by individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh examined the brains of 25 cats of varying ages after they died. Some of the cats had dementia.
Microscopic Observation
The research team was able to focus on the smallest structures in the brain by employing sophisticated microscopy.
They discovered that cats with dementia and older cats had amyloid-beta plaques throughout their brains. These hazardous clusters were particularly prevalent in synapses, which are the tiny gaps where information flows between brain cells.
Healthy synapses are necessary for memory and learning in both humans and cats. These connections disintegrate as amyloid-beta begins to accumulate, making thinking more difficult and slower.
According to Dr. Robert McGeachan, the lead author of the study, the findings demonstrate the startling parallels between human Alzheimer’s and feline dementia. This makes it possible to investigate whether promising new therapies for Alzheimer’s disease in humans could also benefit our aging pets.
Support Cells Oppose the Brain
Additionally, the researchers discovered that astrocytes and microglia, two types of brain support cells, participated in a process known as synaptic pruning. This mechanism, which removes unnecessary synapses to provide space for more effective brain activity, is normal and even beneficial during brain growth.
However, this pruning seemed to go too far in aged cats. The microglia and astrocytes had begun to “eat” the amyloid-beta-affected healthy synapses. This response may be the brain’s attempt to tidy up the mess, but it may also be exacerbating the issue by hastening memory loss.
The same excessive microglial pruning has been connected to cognitive deterioration in Alzheimer’s patients. Now that the same process has been discovered in cats, scientists have a natural model that could help them understand how this destructive cycle begins and progresses.
A New Animal Model, Better than Mice
To study Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have long used genetically modified animals, primarily mice, to develop the illness. However, dementia is not a typical occurrence for these animals, and the alterations in their brains differ slightly from those in humans. As a result, creating medications that actually work for individuals has become more difficult.
Dr. McGeachan stated that cats may also provide a more accurate model of the disease than conventional laboratory animals because they naturally develop these brain abnormalities. This could ultimately help both species and their caregivers.
The team expects that their findings may advance human Alzheimer’s therapy research as well as veterinary care for older cats. Recognizing the early signs of cognitive decline and seeking help sooner could also benefit pet owners.
What’s Next?
The researchers now intend to investigate whether these brain alterations can be monitored while the cats are still alive by studying larger groups of cats. They also aim to examine how lifestyle choices, such as food, exercise, and social interaction, impact the risk of feline dementia. These same issues are being tackled in human Alzheimer’s research, and cats may provide answers that are applicable to both species.
The study’s emphasis on amyloid-beta accumulation, microglial pruning, and synapse loss aligns with the focus of many ongoing Alzheimer’s research projects. Since many medications that only addressed amyloid-beta failed, researchers are now attempting to comprehend the broader picture, which includes inflammation, immunological reactions, and potential malfunctions in the brain’s normal cleanup processes.
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application.
You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.
References
- McGeachan, Robert I., Lucy Ewbank, Meg Watt, Lorena Sordo, Alexandra Malbon, Muhammad Khalid F. Salamat, Makis Tzioras et al. “Amyloid‐Beta Pathology Increases Synaptic Engulfment by Glia in Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: A Naturally Occurring Model of Alzheimer’s Disease.” European Journal of Neuroscience 62, no. 3 (2025): e70180.
- Shavit, J. Cats with dementia reveal new clues about Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Brighter Side of News. https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/cats-with-dementia-reveal-new-clues-about-alzheimers-disease-in-humans/. Published Online: 5th September, 2025. Accessed: 10th September, 2025.
- How cats with dementia could help crack the Alzheimer’s puzzle. Science Daily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/08/250813083611.htm#. Published Online: 14th August, 2025. Accessed: 10th September, 2025.
- Smith, R. Cats With Dementia Show Alzheimer’s-Like Brain Changes. Technology Networks. https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/cats-with-dementia-show-alzheimers-like-brain-changes-403390. Published Online: 12th August, 2025. Accessed: 10th September, 2025.
- Cats with dementia share hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. The University of Edinburgh. https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/cats-with-dementia-share-hallmarks-of-alzheimers#. Published Online: 12th August, 2025. Accessed: 10th September, 2025.
