The dog as a potential model for early stage Alzheimer's disease

What is it about?

Some dogs (Canis familiaris) also experience signs of cognitive dysfunction (dementia) as they age. Some of the clinical and pathological changes share distinct similarities to what is described for humans suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Thus, the dog is proposed as an alternative spontaneous animal model for early stage Alzheimer's disease that may complement the transgenic murine models.

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Why is it important?

Predicitive animal models for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are definitely needed, especially models that can reflect the sporadic form of AD. Animal models are important in order to comprehend the mechanistic disease mechanisms but also for drug development.