A new study investigates how rapamycin may influence cognitive function and longevity in aging companion dogs through validated behavioral assessments.
Testing cognition in dogs: The Dog Aging Project’s TRIAD study is evaluating whether the drug rapamycin can extend lifespan and preserve cognitive abilities in aging dogs. Researchers are conducting a placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial in healthy, middle-aged, medium-to-large breed dogs.
Two tests for the canine brain: As part of the baseline assessment, dogs underwent the Sustained Gaze test (which measures attention span) and the CAnine DEmentia Scale (CADES), a clinical tool for cognitive decline. The results showed a wide range of baseline performance, but no significant correlation with breed, sex, or age at midlife.
Why it matters: These baseline findings support the trial’s goal of isolating rapamycin’s impact. By confirming that demographic variables do not skew early cognitive scores, TRIAD lays the groundwork for robust evaluation of potential neuroprotective effects in dogs as they age.
https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae062.4182
