Exploring potential strategies to enhance memory and cognition in aging mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Age-related cognitive decline impacts quality of life.
• Limited effective therapies necessitate preventive strategies.
• Nutritional, cell-based, and environmental interventions are being explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the memory-enhancing effects of choline (Ch) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation.
• To evaluate human embryonic kidney stem cell conditioned media (HEK-CM) for cognitive enhancement.
• To assess the impact of environmental enrichment (EE) on cognitive function in aging mice.

Main Methods:

• Twelve-month-old male CF1 mice were used.
• Groups included normal aging control, saline control, Ch-DHA, EE, heat-inactivated HEK-CM, and HEK-CM.
• Spatial memory was tested using an eight-arm radial maze, and cognition via a novel object recognition test (NORT).

Main Results:

• Aging mice exhibited decreased spatial memory and cognition.
• Ch-DHA and HEK-CM treatments significantly enhanced spatial learning, memory, and cognition.
• Ch-DHA and HEK-CM groups showed fewer memory errors and higher correct choices.
• NORT revealed increased novel object visits in Ch-DHA and HEK-CM groups.

Conclusions:

• Ch-DHA supplementation and HEK-CM treatment show significant potential for enhancing memory and cognition in aging mice.
• These interventions demonstrated a 20-30% improvement in cognitive functions.
• Environmental enrichment (EE) primarily enhanced short-term memory.