Deficits in memory-guided limb movements impair obstacle avoidance locomotion in Alzheimer's disease mouse model

Memory function deficits induced by Alzheimer's disease (AD) are believed to be one of the causes of an increased risk of tripping in patients. Working memory contributes to accurate stepping over obstacles during locomotion, and AD-induced deficits of this memory function may lead to an increased risk of contact with obstacles. We used the triple transgenic (3xTg) mice to examine the effects of memory deficits in terms of tripping and contact with obstacles. We found that the frequency of contact of the hindlimbs during an obstacle avoidance task increased significantly in 10-13 month-old 3xTg (Old-3xTg) mice compared with control mice. However, no changes in limb kinematics during unobstructed locomotion or successful obstacle avoidance locomotion were observed in the Old-3xTg mice. Furthermore, we found that memory-based movements in stepping over an obstacle were impaired in these mice. Our findings suggest that working memory deficits as a result of AD are associated with an increased risk of tripping during locomotion.