AAIC 2021 | Animal models of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia

Atticus Hainsworth, PhD, St. George’s University of London, talks about the use of animal models in dementia research. Dr Hainsworth explains his views on the value of experimental animals for research purposes, discussing the widespread use of rodents compared with the greater potential of larger species in research looking at vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Given that many vascular diseases occur in the white matter of the brain, larger species, which have larger brains – more similar to those of humans – as well as more white matter, lend themselves better to research into VCID. This may move research forward and provide more therapeutic opportunities. This interview took place during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), 2021.