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Neonatal pain impairs spatial memory: Enrichment as a neuroprotective approach
Khawla Nuseir1, Amal Alachkar2, Sally Ababneh1
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
Pediatrics and Neonatology
|April 13, 2026
Summary
An enriched environment (EE) can mitigate negative effects of neonatal pain on later learning and memory in Wistar rats. While EE reversed heightened pain sensitivity at 4 weeks, it had no effect at 8 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Premature birth rates are increasing globally.
- Neonatal procedures, while life-saving, cause short- and long-term harm.
- Non-pharmacological pain management is ethically and clinically essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if an enriched environment (EE) can reduce harmful effects of neonatal pain.
- To explore EE's potential to mitigate adverse outcomes from painful neonatal procedures.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were exposed to painful neonatal procedures.
- One group received an enriched environment (EE).
- Cognitive function (learning and memory) and pain sensitivity were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks.
Main Results:
- EE mitigated the negative impact of painful procedures on later learning and memory.
- EE reversed heightened pain sensitivity at 4 weeks of age.
- EE did not significantly affect pain sensitivity at 8 weeks of age.
Conclusions:
- Enriched environment (EE) is a simple, cost-effective intervention.
- EE can significantly impact early-life distressful events.
- EE shows promise in mitigating long-term cognitive deficits from neonatal pain.
