[Brain Pathology of Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged Non-human Animals].

Area of Science:

• Comparative pathology
• Neuroscience
• Veterinary medicine

Background:

• Cognitive dysfunction in aging vertebrates is characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and phosphorylated tau.
• Pathologies include senile plaques (SP) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), alongside neurofibrillary tangles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the prevalence and comparative pathology of cognitive dysfunction in aged non-human animals.
• To leverage findings from animal models for advancing Alzheimer's disease research.

Main Methods:

• Observational studies across various vertebrate species (primates, canines, felines, marine mammals).
• Analysis of neuropathological markers, including amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau.

Main Results:

• Amyloid-beta deposition (SP, CAA) and phosphorylated tau pathology are observed in diverse aged animal species.
• Neurofibrillary tangles are present in primates, marine mammals, and felines.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive dysfunction and associated pathologies represent universal age-related phenomena in vertebrates.
• Aged non-human animals serve as valuable comparative models for understanding Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.