Trending Now - Dog Longevity Research May Reveal Secrets to Human Aging
WHO:
Matt Kaeberlein, biologist and co-founder of the Dog Aging Project
Stephanie McGrath, veterinary neurologist from Colorado State University
Pat Schultz, dog owner and participant in the Dog Aging Project
Dirk Keene, neuropathologist from the University of Washington
Julie Moreno, molecular biologist from Colorado State University
Celine Halioua, founder of Loyal, a biotech start-up
WHAT:
The Dog Aging Project studies over 50,000 dogs to understand aging and related diseases.
The project collects data on dogs' diets, exercise, blood samples, and brain MRIs.
Dogs that live with other dogs have fewer diseases; those that do not exercise have a six times greater chance of developing dementia.
The project is testing the drug rapamycin, which has shown to slow cognitive decline and increase life expectancy by 60% in mice.
A pilot study involved 12 dogs with signs of dementia, with some receiving rapamycin and others a placebo.
The FDA has approved safety data for a drug being tested by Loyal, which aims to extend dogs' lives.
WHERE:
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Locations of hundreds of veterinary clinics and hospitals across the United States
WHEN:
The Dog Aging Project was co-founded in 2014.
Pat Schultz's husband Bill died two years ago due to complications from Alzheimer's.
The ongoing clinical trial for rapamycin will take several years to yield final results.
WHY:
The project aims to unlock secrets to longer, healthier lives for both dogs and humans, as dogs develop many of the same age-related diseases as humans.
The motivation for studying dogs is that they share environments and lifestyles with humans, allowing for quicker research outcomes.
HOW:
The project uses a public database to collect and analyze data from dog tests, which is accessible to researchers worldwide.
Dogs are tested for cognitive ability through memory games, and their brains are examined post-mortem for research purposes.
(UPDATED March 23, 2026 15:39 UTC)
The Dog Aging Project, co-founded in 2014, is a groundbreaking initiative studying over 50,000 dogs to uncover the secrets of aging and related diseases, with key contributors including biologist Matt Kaeberlein and veterinary neurologist Stephanie McGrath. This extensive research collects data on various factors such as diets, exercise, and brain health, revealing that dogs living with companions tend to have fewer diseases, while those that lack exercise face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. Currently, the project is testing the drug rapamycin, which has shown promise in slowing cognitive decline, and the FDA has approved safety data for a drug from the biotech start-up Loyal, aiming to extend the lives of our canine companions.