Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026

An Automated T-maze Based Apparatus and Protocol for Analyzing Delay- and Effort-based Decision Making in Free Moving Rodents
Published on: August 2, 2018
Reward-based decision-making and aging
A Marschner1, T Mell, I Wartenburger
1Berlin NeuroImaging Center, Charité, Campus Mitte, Schumannstr. 20/21, 10117 Berlin, Germany. hauke.heekeren@charite.de
Abstract:
Healthy aging is associated with a number of neuroanatomical and neurobiological alterations that result in various cognitive changes. Both, the dopaminergic as well as the serotonergic system are subject to change during aging. Receptor loss and severe structural changes in PFC and striatum have been reported. Aging is associated with a progressive decline in several cognitive functions, such as episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed. Furthermore, it is associated with deficits in tasks requiring adaptation to external feedback of right or wrong, or task-switching. Here, we develop the hypothesis that this loss of behavioral flexibility is caused by structural and functional alterations of the reward system leading to impairments in reward processing, learning stimulus reinforcement associations, and reward-based decision-making. We review (a) data on neural correlates and substrates of reward processing in young healthy animals and humans, (b) evidence for age related functional and structural alterations of the reward system, and (c) behavioral and neuroimaging data of age effects on reward-based decision-making processes. Implications for neuroeconomics and neurodegenerative diseases are discussed.
More Related Videos
07:05Operant Protocols for Assessing the Cost-benefit Analysis During Reinforced Decision Making by Rodents
Published on: September 10, 2018
06:46Automated, Long-term Behavioral Assay for Cognitive Functions in Multiple Genetic Models of Alzheimer's Disease, Using IntelliCage
Published on: August 4, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Reason and Intuition
Decision Making: P-value Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is proposed. The claim is based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to the claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses: a null hypothesis would be a neutral statement while the alternative hypothesis can have a...
Decision Making: Traditional Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...
Timing and Consequences on Behavior
Humans, however, can respond to delayed reinforcers. We often make decisions between immediate small rewards and delayed larger rewards. This ability to delay gratification is a significant factor...
Decision Making
Automatic decision-making is fast, intuitive, and relies on gut feelings...
Cognitive Development During Adulthood