Dietary manipulations in rabbits induce the cellular, neuropathological, and cognitive hallmarks of late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease

There is increasing evidence that diet and lifestyle are important risk factors for cognitive impairment particularly Alzheimer's Disease. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and smoking are all risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia in old age and they can even cause cognitive deficits in young adults. We will feed rabbits a low dose of cholesterol, a high-fat diet, or a diet high in both sugar and fat to determine if these diets produce the cellular, neuropathological, and cognitive hallmarks of late-onset Alzheimer's Disease.