Dr Jeff Nichol Dog Dementia Study
Donation protected
My research into the early diagnosis of canine dementia (cognitive dysfunction syndrome - CDS) is on the home stretch. The owners of 21 elderly dogs, who had passed on from CDS, have allowed me to conduct high resolution MRI studies of their pets’ brains. The microscopic evaluations, using specialized staining techniques, are the final step. Now I need a little more help.
My time and the energies and expertise of Dr. Laurel Sillerud of the UNM BRaIN Institute have been donated to the project. So far, the direct costs have been covered by a grant and a donation from the Nichol family. Now the diagnostic lab needs a final infusion of cash to carry out the staining for the A beta plaques that are the early red flags in brains at risk for CDS. The staining of 84 slides at $12 each will cost $1008.00 at the state veterinary diagnostic lab.
This is not a registered not-for-profit; I’m trying to finish my research. Learning more about early detection of CDS in dogs may also advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s in humans - the degenerative brain changes are almost identical. The following is a more in-depth review of this project.
Comparison of histopathology, high resolution MRI scans, and behavior scores of dogs affected by naturally occurring cognitive dysfunction syndrome
A new model for human Alzheimer’s research
Extensive research into the causes of Alzheimer’s disease of humans and its potential treatments has found dogs to be a reliable animal model. A significant population of naturally aging canine brains (28% of dogs aged 11-12 and 68% aged 15-16) spontaneously develops nearly identical pathology when compared with Alzheimer’s patients. Behavioral changes observed in dogs are also similar.
Previous canine research on cognitive decline has used dogs raised in laboratory settings. Mice, often transgenic specimens, have been used extensively. The current study is different, using only dogs that have lived their entire lives as pets. Exposed to comparable environment influences as their human companions these dogs’ cognitive decline may be more accurately compared to dementia of people.
This research study involves 21 elderly dogs with dementia that were euthanized by order of their owners. There are three principle elements contributing to this work: Behavioral scores from detailed questionnaires of dog owner observations, high resolution MRI scans of the dogs’ brains, and specially stained microscopic evaluations of brain sections of the same animals by a board certified veterinary pathologist.
This unique research is nearly complete. The behavior scores have all been tabulated, each brain has been fully scanned, and all tissues have been sectioned. The slides are now ready for the final histopathologic evaluation with special staining.
Preliminary H & E stained samples have already shown a difference in the cellularity in dogs with higher behavior scores (more advanced dementia). The final step will be histopathology using anti-Abeta 1-42 antibody and anti-Iba1 antibody stains. These will allow us to fully assess microscopic changes and their relation to behavior scores and MRI measurements.
Costs thus far have been managed with grant funds, donated stains, and a personal contribution from one of the researchers. The staining techniques for the last step are costly. There will be 84 slides that will each cost $12.00 to stain and prepare for evaluation. The total cost to complete this project will be $1008.00.
It is our hope that this research will improve our understanding of early brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s using a natural canine model. There is great anticipation among the research community for completion of this study.
My time and the energies and expertise of Dr. Laurel Sillerud of the UNM BRaIN Institute have been donated to the project. So far, the direct costs have been covered by a grant and a donation from the Nichol family. Now the diagnostic lab needs a final infusion of cash to carry out the staining for the A beta plaques that are the early red flags in brains at risk for CDS. The staining of 84 slides at $12 each will cost $1008.00 at the state veterinary diagnostic lab.
This is not a registered not-for-profit; I’m trying to finish my research. Learning more about early detection of CDS in dogs may also advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s in humans - the degenerative brain changes are almost identical. The following is a more in-depth review of this project.
Comparison of histopathology, high resolution MRI scans, and behavior scores of dogs affected by naturally occurring cognitive dysfunction syndrome
A new model for human Alzheimer’s research
Extensive research into the causes of Alzheimer’s disease of humans and its potential treatments has found dogs to be a reliable animal model. A significant population of naturally aging canine brains (28% of dogs aged 11-12 and 68% aged 15-16) spontaneously develops nearly identical pathology when compared with Alzheimer’s patients. Behavioral changes observed in dogs are also similar.
Previous canine research on cognitive decline has used dogs raised in laboratory settings. Mice, often transgenic specimens, have been used extensively. The current study is different, using only dogs that have lived their entire lives as pets. Exposed to comparable environment influences as their human companions these dogs’ cognitive decline may be more accurately compared to dementia of people.
This research study involves 21 elderly dogs with dementia that were euthanized by order of their owners. There are three principle elements contributing to this work: Behavioral scores from detailed questionnaires of dog owner observations, high resolution MRI scans of the dogs’ brains, and specially stained microscopic evaluations of brain sections of the same animals by a board certified veterinary pathologist.
This unique research is nearly complete. The behavior scores have all been tabulated, each brain has been fully scanned, and all tissues have been sectioned. The slides are now ready for the final histopathologic evaluation with special staining.
Preliminary H & E stained samples have already shown a difference in the cellularity in dogs with higher behavior scores (more advanced dementia). The final step will be histopathology using anti-Abeta 1-42 antibody and anti-Iba1 antibody stains. These will allow us to fully assess microscopic changes and their relation to behavior scores and MRI measurements.
Costs thus far have been managed with grant funds, donated stains, and a personal contribution from one of the researchers. The staining techniques for the last step are costly. There will be 84 slides that will each cost $12.00 to stain and prepare for evaluation. The total cost to complete this project will be $1008.00.
It is our hope that this research will improve our understanding of early brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s using a natural canine model. There is great anticipation among the research community for completion of this study.
Organizer
Jeff Nichol
Organizer
Albuquerque, NM