Why old dogs might be able to teach Alzheimer’s researchers new tricks

As dogs age, their brains undergo similar changes to human brains, making them a valuable natural model to study dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

By: Julie Moreno, Colorado State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 6, 2026

Words: 902

Last Updated: 1 week, 4 days ago

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By Julie Moreno, Colorado State University

Most people know someone with Alzheimer’s disease. When I was growing up, my grandmother struggled with dementia, and I saw firsthand how difficult that was for our family.

That experience was one reason I became a neurotoxicologist who studies how misshapen proteins and inflammation in the brain can increase over time and cause dementia. While there are ways to treat the symptoms of dementia, researchers are …

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