Dunbar Publishes on Development and Protocols of the Brain Health Study (BHS)

Posted: 10/8/2025 (CSDE Research)

CSDE Research Scientist Matthew D. Dunbar, PhD, and co-authors recently published an article in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, titled “The companion dog as a translational model for Alzheimer’s disease: Development of a longitudinal research platform and post mortem protocols.” The authors describe the objectives, infrastructure, platform development, and protocol of the Brain Health Study (BHS). The BHS aims to establish the role of privately owned companion dogs as a translational model for Alzheimer’s Disease research.

Why dogs? Companion dogs share genetic diversity, environmental exposures, and cognitive traits with humans. Their condensed lifespans and human-like aging patterns make them an ideal model for understanding cognitive decline. The study’s research infrastructure is in place for longitudinal data collection, annual biospecimen collection and postmortem sample collection, with 500 dogs enrolled and 21 postmortem specimens already collected.

Dr. Dunbar, in his role as the Data Core Director for the Dog Aging Project, helped build the operational infrastructure for the BHS to support this diverse national cohort of companion dogs for an in-depth, longitudinal analysis of brain and cognitive health over their lifespan. A complex and well-maintained research platform was critical to facilitate enrollment, retention, ongoing participant surveys, and biobanking of biofluids and postmortem tissue. Dr. Dunbar has decades of experience designing primary data collection systems, managing field data campaigns, and he currently oversees CSDE’s own REDCap instance supporting population researchers.

To arrange a consultation appointment with Matt Dunbar or any of CSDE’s scientific support staff, please use the CSDE Science Core Consultation Request form.