Caffeine and alzheimers in humans - would it work for cats?

[Mark]

Thanks Kate - that's what I was thinking of yesterday re increasing blood flow - It makes sense but probably doesn't work if tissue is already degenerated.

[swampmaxmum]

Vivitonin helps extra blood flow to the brain so is used for dementia, but in this house we didn't find it helped, although some cats do well on it. So switched to Selgian which is a calmer, which has helped. It doesn't 'stop' dementia but helps to calm down the agitation. All of which is good in the night especially.

[Gill (sneakiefeline)]

Despite what the article says caffeine is not very good for people and can make all kinds of problems worse...it would be wonderful if somthing to help was found for cats and for humans.

You are not bad JS and any of us that have had cats with dementia know exactly how you are feling and what you are going through 

[Bazsmum]

I wish it were true but I think caffeine is poisonous for cats. I would imagine anything that gently stimulates blood flow to the brain would do the same job?

Its actually highly toxic to all small animals Mark, but there again dont your hedgies like tea! So small animals can obviously tolerate small amounts so its just getting the right balance imo! 

[bonnielass]

Well i should be okay because i drink about 7/8 cups of cappuccino a day, as for the yowling bit maybe we should form a club as George is doing this all the time now , anywhere between 2am and 5 am when i finally give up and get up, hes even started doing  it when he wakes up from a sleep in the garden

[JackSpratt]

I thought it wasn't especially good for them Mark, but figured that if the dosage was measured carefully and correctly it might have a similar effect.

Janey, I'm regularly woken at three and have been for the past two and a half/three years. Then again at five, and I usually give up and get up the third time I'm woken up regardless of time.

[Mark]

I wish it were true but I think caffeine is poisonous for cats. I would imagine anything that gently stimulates blood flow to the brain would do the same job?

[Janeyk]

  not sure either JS but I can sympathise, Byron is doing this more during the night too, she had us woken at 3 this morning 

[JackSpratt]

I regularly think I must be one of the most horrible people on the planet when I shout back at Mog then end up crying because I've shouted at her. She's one of my oldest friends and I love her dearly but I'm so tired all the time. Poor Mog, I know it isn't her fault. (Although, I'm pretty sure she does ham it up sometimes....)

Thanks Kate.

[swampmaxmum]

I don't know the answer, but I do feel for you. I have Max doing the same thing and it drives me nuts, then I hate myself for being cross because he is doing it because he is ill. Just sending big hugs 

[JackSpratt]

I'm almost praying that that could be the case - Mog had me in tears earlier out of sheer frustration because I didn't know why she was yowling.

[Bazsmum]

Dont know Jack? I do believe that cats + caffeine is a bad combo though so maybe if they could get the dose right? 

[JackSpratt]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090706/twl-coffee-may-cure-alzheimer-s-disease-3fd0ae9.html

Just so you know I'm aware we're a different species - but do you think this might be applied to cats with alzheimers at some point? I'd love to think people would be able to do something for a cat with dementia illnesses.