The invention provides non-human transgenic animals as models of neurodegenerative brain pathology, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and cancer. The non-human transgenic animals of the present invention include an exogenous DNA that reduces or eliminates the expression and/or function of a molecular chaperone, including, but not limited to heat shock protein 110 (Hspl 10) or heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). These non-human transgenic animals may be used in methods of screening and identifying compounds useful for the prevention and/or treatment of neurodegenerative brain pathology and/or cancer.