In mice, the drug rapamycin has been shown to slow cognitive decline and increase life expectancy by 60%. That has led some longevity researchers and influencers to suggest rapamycin for human use. The drug is now being tested on dogs. In a pilot study at Colorado State University, 12 dogs were given rapamycin. After they died, some of their brains showed fewer microglial cells, which produce inflammation commonly associated with dementia. Molecular biologist Julie Moreno says she was “super excited” about the findings. “If it works in a dog, and it’s safe, and [if] it’s helping their cognition, then, maybe, it would help humans,” says Moreno. The Dog Aging Project is now conducting a larger clinical trial giving hundreds of dogs either a placebo or rapamycin to further test if the drug can extend life. #longevity #dogagingproject #rapamycin #doghealth #aging