In 5XFAD mice bearing five familial AD mutations, detailed unbiased stereological analysis and 3D reconstruction of ChAT fibers and ChAT + neurons at different stages showed the selective fiber damage to cortical areas innervated by the basal forebrain cholinergic circuitry preceding degeneration of other structures [177], and coinciding with early cortical deposition of amyloid in this model [178]. Here, CHAT is linked to Alzheimer disease.