Scientists in Edinburgh believe the discovery could help their research into new treatments for Alzheimer's.

Cats develop dementia in a similar way to humans with Alzheimer’s disease, leading to hopes of a breakthrough in research, according to scientists.

Experts at the University of Edinburgh carried out a post-mortem brain examination on 25 cats which had symptoms of dementia in life, including confusion, sleep disruption and an increase in vocalisation.

The team believe the discovery in cats could help them get a clearer understanding of the process, offering a valuable model for studying dementia in people.

The study, funded by Wellcome and the UK Dementia Research Institute, is published in the European Journal of Neuroscience, and included scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and California, UK Dementia Research Institute and Scottish Brain Sciences.

  • sanity_is_maddening@piefed.socialEnglish
    30·
    7 hours ago

    This year I had to euthanize a cat I had the pleasure to have in my life for almost 14 years. I saw her come into this world right out of her mum, and I was there when she died. Afterwards, we brought her from the veterinarian and buried her in my mother’s backyard.

    She had late stage cancer. I never knew when was the right moment to say “it’s time”. The fucked up part is that we can’t get verbal confirmation that “this is it” for them.

    She could barely walk or breathe by the end and I didn’t know if I was being selfish or if I was stealing time that she still wanted to have. It was brutal. Everyday was just one more day that I wanted to say goodbye.

    And then one day I saw her struggle so much to breathe and said “it’s time”. The meds didn’t work anymore and I couldn’t ease her suffering in any way anymore.

    That moment still sounds far off with your beloved friend. Treasure those cozy and snuggled naps they love to take and be kind to yourself as you navigate it all.

    • FoxyFerengi@startrek.websiteEnglish
      13·
      16 hours ago

      She is unfortunately having other medical problems. The steroid either isn’t working anymore or she forgets that she isn’t in pain/expects certain touches to be painful, I’m not sure which.

      This cat has my whole heart. Like if soul mates could be pets, she’s mine.

      Thank you for sharing, and understanding the struggle with giving our little loved ones the life and death they deserve. I’m sorry that you had to make that choice, but I’m glad that you had the strength to do so for her.

      I think about my grandfather often since my little Ami has shown the same symptoms he had. I’ve always been so grateful that by the time the end came for him, it was quick, and I know that’s what he would have wanted. Perhaps that’s the view I need to keep for her