Cross-Species Framework for Emotional Well-Being and Brain Aging: Lessons From Behavioral Neuroscience

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Emotional well-being (EWB) is a critical factor in aging and Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD).
• Establishing causal links between brain changes, EWB, and behavioral symptoms in aging and ADRD requires further investigation.
• Current research lacks a unified framework for cross-species comparison.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel framework for studying EWB and brain aging using a cross-species behavioral neuroscience approach.
• To explore the reciprocal relationships between brain changes, EWB, and ADRD symptoms.
• To enhance understanding of the mechanisms underlying brain aging and ADRD across different species.

Main Methods:

• Review of challenges and opportunities in EWB and brain aging research.
• Proposal of a biobehavioral model for cross-species comparability.
• Utilizing a behavioral neuroscience approach to bridge animal and human studies.

Main Results:

• Identified key challenges in comparing EWB and brain aging across species.
• Proposed a practical solution to improve interspecies study comparability.
• Highlighted the reciprocal roles of brain changes, EWB, and ADRD symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A cross-species framework can advance the understanding of EWB in aging and ADRD.
• Comparative neuroscience offers valuable insights into the mechanisms linking brain aging, EWB, and ADRD.
• This approach facilitates the development of targeted EWB interventions for ADRD.