The researchers found that the brains of aging cats resemble those of humans.
By studying cats, it is hoped to understand more about dementia.
– It’s exciting, says researcher Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren.
One reason for studying cats in particular is that they can get quite old, by mammal standards.
– It is not so common that mammals live so long that you get the chance to develop these changes in the brain. Therefore, this could be a new opportunity to study the changes in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease, says Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren, researcher in clinical neuroscience at Lund University.
Aging increases risk
By studying cats, which, among other things, develop plaques and cognitive problems in a similar way to humans, it is hoped to understand more about neurodegenerative diseases.
Cats share the environment with us humans and, just like us, develop some lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. This makes them resemble humans in that they age and are exposed to various risk factors.
– It’s exciting. It can help us understand more about what it is about aging that makes you have a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease, says Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren in Nyhetsmorgon.
Breakthrough in research
Although cats experience similar age-related changes to people with Alzheimer’s disease, it cannot be established that it is Alzheimer’s that the cats have.
– No, that might be taking it too far. On the other hand, cats that age also experience some cognitive changes or behavioral changes, for example that the cats may find it more difficult to find or change their circadian rhythm, says Niklas Mattsson-Carlgren.
He believes that a lot is happening in Alzheimer’s research right now.
– There are fantastic breakthroughs when it comes to developing new medicines. We have not yet gained access to the most effective and newest medicines in Sweden. There is much left to do.