Dog Dementia, Human Insight: CSU's Dr. Stephanie McGrath and Dr. Julie Moreno’s Breakthrough Work Spotlighted on 60 Minutes

Anderson Cooper with 60 Minutes visited CSU’s campus to learn more about the groundbreaking work led by Dr. Stephanie McGrath and Dr. Julie Moreno, researchers in CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences working alongside aging dogs and their owners to better understand how dementia develops. At CSU, those lived experiences are fueling a first-of-its-kind effort to understand brain aging in real-world conditions in both canines and humans.

Stephanie, a veterinary neurologist directing CSU’s Brain Research Center, and Julie, a neurotoxicologist and associate director, partner with the national Dog Aging Project to follow thousands of dogs—including President Amy Parsons’ pug, El Jefe—across their lifetimes. Their Brain Health Study is revealing striking similarities between canine cognitive decline and human Alzheimer’s disease.

In this episode, they share how owner generosity, national collaboration, and cross-campus mentorship are accelerating progress toward earlier detection, better support for families with aging pets, and ultimately more effective treatments for both canine and human dementia. They also share their behind-the-camera experience with 60 Minutes, and highlight the essential role of CSU students who help drive this research through sample processing, data analysis, and hands-on lab work.

Don't miss El Jefe's special appearance in this episode, reminding us that behind every data point is a beloved family member.