Repeated performance of spatial memory tasks ameliorates cognitive decline in APP/PS1 mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive and functional decline.
• Key pathological hallmarks include amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, alongside significant neuroinflammatory processes.
• Genetic factors and lifestyle choices, such as smoking, social engagement, and physical activity, are increasingly recognized as influential in AD pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of repeated spatial memory training on cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
• To assess the effects of training on memory formation, reference memory, and spatial searching strategies in APP/PS1 mice.

Main Methods:

• The Morris water maze task was employed to evaluate spatial memory formation in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice and age-matched wild-type littermates.
• Mice were trained at various ages (3, 6, 9, and 12 months), with comparisons made between trained and untrained groups.
• Performance was analyzed during acquisition, reference memory tests, and reversal learning, focusing on searching strategies.

Main Results:

• APP/PS1 mice at 9 and 12 months exhibited significant cognitive impairment, particularly in reference memory and search strategies.
• Previously trained APP/PS1 mice demonstrated a reversal of cognitive deterioration, performing better in memory tests and even in reversal learning tasks.
• Trained APP/PS1 mice adopted hippocampus-dependent strategies, mirroring those of wild-type mice.

Conclusions:

• Repeated spatial memory training in the water maze positively impacts memory formation in Alzheimer's disease mouse models.
• Cognitively demanding and physically active tasks may offer a therapeutic avenue to improve cognitive function in AD.
• Training can enhance the use of adaptive spatial memory strategies, suggesting potential for non-pharmacological interventions.