According to scientists at the University of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Bristol and California, a new study reveals that aging cats can develop feline Alzheimer’s disease. Mental deterioration can be caused by a protein that builds up in a cat’s nerve cells in the brain. With human Alzheimer’s disease, this protein generates “tangles” in the nerve cells that prevent the brain from being able to process messages. Scientists say this protein, present in cats, is evidence that they can develop this type of disease as well.
It was thought cats were vulnerable to dementia because of past research that had identified thick, gritty plaque on the exterior of brain cells of elderly cats similar to those found on humans. Dr. Danielle Gunn-Moore of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal School of Veterinary says: “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 that we see in human Alzheimer’s sufferers. The gritty plaques had only hinted that might be the case – now we know.”
Gunn-Moore adds that the shorter life span of a cat as compared to humans lets researchers study more rapidly the effects of high blood pressure, diet, and prescribed drugs during the duration of the disease. It’s also important to understand the disease better to be able to slow the degeneration process in order to increase a cat’s quality of life. The life expectancy of cats, like humans, is increasing; therefore, the chance is greater of developing the disease.
Studies imply that 28 percent of cats aged 11-14 years develop at least one behavior problem that is geriatric-related and for cats over age 15, this increases to more than 50 percent. It is suggested that a good diet, mental stimulation, and companionship can lower the risks associated with dementia in cats and humans. “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 also is helpful in warding off dementia, so a cat owner sharing healthy meals like chicken and fish with their pet will benefit them both.”
At the University of St. Andrews, in the School of Biology, Dr. Frank Gunn-Moore says of the research: “It has given us an insight into the molecular changes that are occurring in the degenerating brain. From this knowledge, we are now currently trying to develop new and novel treatments which will be able to help both cats and humans.”
Valley Life
Paw Prints: Studies reveal that cats can develop Alzheimer’s, too
- Valley Life
-
-
Terre Haute museums keeping history alive
Even if you don’t have a mystical Egyptian tablet that brings museum inhabitants to life at sunset like character Larry Daley in the “Night in the Museum” movies, history can come alive for you, your friends and family at the many museums in the Wabash Valley.
-
ANNIVERSARIES: Feb. 12, 2012
• Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Jackson
-
Learn brief history of Social Security at Brown Bag
Join Amy Long, Social Security operations supervisor, for a brief history of Social Security, including why and how Social Security was created, changes over the years and information on the future at 12:10 p.m. Thursday at the Vigo County Public Library for a Brown Bag.
-
Terre Haute’s litter leads to trashy look, feast for crows
Dear My Fellow Hoosiers,
Why do you litter? When I moved here in April 2007 there were two things that I noticed right away about the Wabash Valley. -
PAW PRINTS: Enjoy a pet-friendly Valentine’s Day
Every year, the poison control experts see a rise in pet cases around Feb. 14, with many involving chocolate and lilies (a flower that is potentially fatal to cats).
-
Greene’s Goose Pond offers Marsh Madness, March 2-4
Special to the Tribune-StarWildlife Area’s annual Marsh Madness bird festival takes place March 2-4 at multiple locations around Greene County.
-
WEDDINGS: Feb. 12, 2012
• McBride Menestrina
• Baer-Marshall
• Miller-Lunsford
-
ENGAGEMENTS: Feb. 12, 2012
• Archer-Cooper
-
VIDEO: On the Banks of the Wabash far away …
Paul Dresser left Terre Haute a niche in history.
Opportunism, squabbling and fading memories gradually washed that gift away, like the unending flow of the Wabash River he immortalized in song.
-
Vectren cautions public about snow, ice removal
Vectren Energy Delivery wants to remind customers to proceed with caution when removing snow and ice around natural gas meters at their homes or businesses this winter.
-
Workshop to emphasize basics of alpaca farming
A one-day seminar on the fundamentals of alpaca farming is planned for Saturday at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
-
Genealogy Society offers free forum
The Wabash Valley Genealogy Society is offering a free educational forum titled “Brick Wall Hurdling” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in rooms A, B and C of the Vigo County Public Library at Seventh and Poplar streets.
-
PAW PRINTS: Want to adopt a pit bull? Here are some helpful hints
Despite the bad publicity, pit bulls can be very lovable and loyal family dogs. There is a great deal of confusion associated with the label “pit bull.” The most accurate definition refers to two breeds: the American pit bull terrier and the American Staffordshire terrier. Some people include other breeds in this group because they share similar head shapes and body types.
-
Purdue Extension to offer diabetes cooking school
Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service-Parke County is offering a diabetes cooking school starting Feb. 27.
-
Pepsi Community Caps Program to benefit charities
Refreshment Services-Pepsi will kick off its 2012 Community Caps Program on March 1. The Community Caps Program will benefit several charitable organizations and schools in Clay, Parke, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Edgar County in Illinois.
- Special Occasions: Feb. 5, 2012
-
Serve as 4-H judge, volunteer
The 2012 4-H Bi-State Judges and Leaders Clinic will be Feb. 18 at Ivy Tech Community College’s Main Campus, at 8000 S. Education Drive.
-
BRIDGE COLUMN : Feb. 5, 2012
With January now history we can report new faces in both master point races, male and female.
-
Tried 'n' True: Upside Down Pizza calls for crescent rolls
When our boys were young, we went every Sunday evening for pizza in Charleston, Ill. When they got to be older and they were working on the farm, I would make pizza from scratch.
-
Extension to offer basic food preservation workshops
Purdue University Extension will be offering basic food preservation workshops at Clabber Girl Culinary Classroom in Terre Haute. Two sessions will offer different methods.
-
GRAPE SENSE: Trips open my eyes to new wines in new regions
The wine industry spends a lot of money worldwide to promote brands, regions, and wine tourism. One of the many ways the wine industry invests is press trips.
Depending on when you read this column, I’m either in France or just returned from a press trip.
-
Clay Habitat plans open house
Habitat for Humanity of Clay County will stage the dedication ceremony and open house for the Mary Ann Hofmann family home from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 at 518 E. Ridge St. in Brazil.
-
Born to perform: Terre Haute South senior to sing in Carnegie Hall
Soon, the domed ceiling of Carnegie Hall and the archway in the Hayes family kitchen will share a special connection.
-
8th District Rep. Bucshon visits CASA volunteers
The U.S Representative of the 8th Congressional District, Larry Bucshon met with CASA volunteers earlier this month to learn more about the Vigo County Court Appointed Special Advocates.
-
Paw Prints: Animal protection law ranking hits home
The Humane Society of the United States released the 2011 “Humane State Ranking” of all 50 states and Washington D.C.
-
Tried 'n' True: Here's a recipe for all you chocolate lovers
This recipe is for all you chocolate lovers.
-
Soybean farmers build state fair building
Since 98 percent of Americans no longer live on farms, Indiana soybean farmers are going to bring the farm to the public in a new exhibit building at the 2012 Indiana State Fair.
-
Sign up now for Rockville Public Library’s ebook class
Rockville Public Library will have free demonstrations on how to use ebook readers with its downloadable ebook service, Overdrive.
- Weddings, Anniversaries: Jan. 29, 2012
-
Sullivan Foundation looking for Volunteer of Year
The Sullivan County Community Foundation is currently seeking nominations for its “Volunteer of the Year” award to be announced March 29.
- More Valley Life Headlines
-
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight
Raw Video: Whitney Houston's Last Performance
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
Coroner: Houston Autopsy Results Weeks Away
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
Raw Video: Child Rescued After Kosovo Avalanche
Raw Video: Greek Rioting Ahead of Austerity Vote
Greece Passes New Austerity Deal Amid Rioting
Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland
Whitney Houston's Church Mourns Her Passing
Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria
Pop Music Superstar Whitney Houston Dies at 48
Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill
Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots
Fuel Removal Under Way on Capsized Italian Ship
Severe Cold Wreaks Havoc in China
ShowBiz Minute: Houston, Grammys, BAFTAs
Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash.
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Facebook Parenting: Father Posts Video Responding to Daughter's Post
'Bachelor' Free Falls into the Ocean
Adele's revealing "60 Minutes" interview
Bobby Brown on Houston's Death
Kissing contest heats up
Rosenthal: A's sign Cespedes
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Apple of their eye at $500 a share
Turkey's first face transplant
Exclusive Video: Bobbi Kristina Leaving Hospital
Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget
Kelly Ripa's Fashion Faux Pas
Lusetich: AT&T Recap
Raw Video: Aurora Borealis As Seen From Space
Grammys 2012: Highlights
2.12: Pebble Beach Pro-Am -- Phil Mickelson
2012 Grammys: Rihanna
