MAPT and major depressive disorder: Found that in 10 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, social interaction with animals can decrease loneliness, anxiety, fear, and sadness for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Discovered that for 20 patients with Alzheimer’s disease who had interaction with an animal during therapy, their Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini Mental Status Exam scores improved. Tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology are exacerbated by social isolation.