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Alzheimer’s Disease Research Without Animals

A Shift Toward Human-Relevant Alzheimer’s Research

A staggering 99.6 percent of Alzheimer’s disease drugs that succeed in animal experiments fail in humans. A transition to human-relevant research methods may help lead to the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias have a devastating impact on individuals and society. Decades of basic research, drug development, and clinical trials based largely on animal modeling have repeatedly failed to translate into effective interventions. There are still no treatments that can prevent the development of the disease or even substantially slow the rate of cognitive decline. 

Physicians Committee scientists are advocating for the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies, as well as scientists involved in Alzheimer’s research, to expand and integrate human-based methods such as stem cell technologies, lifestyle interventions, and human tissue studies, to help produce a meaningful treatment or cure. 

These human-relevant methods could transform Alzheimer's research:

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Animal Research for Alzheimer Disease: Failures of Science and Ethics

The Physicians Committee’s director of academic affairs, John Pippin, M.D., F.A.C.C., co-authored this book chapter on why decades of animal research have failed to bring about meaningful methods for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and the critical need for a human-relevant approach.

Boost Brain Health

Get the multimedia bundle that includes Dr. Barnard’s Power foods For The Brain book & the Protect Your Memory DVD, plus research and simple steps you can take to increase cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and stroke.