Aging is a complex process that affects not only the physical aspects of an individual but also cognitive functions. Cognitive decline is a hallmark of aging, characterized by a gradual deterioration in various cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and executive function. The study of these changes in humans is often complemented by research in animal models, which provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of age-related cognitive decline.
Fig. 1 Illustration of the onset and progression of cognitive deficits in rodent animal models. (Brito DVC, et al., 2023)
At CD BioSciences, we specialize in providing comprehensive analysis services to study learning, memory, and cognitive changes in animal models for aging evaluation. Our expertise in employing a variety of behavioral analysis services allows clients to understand the mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline.
Characterization of Cognitive Aging of Spatial Memory
Spatial memory, the ability to remember and navigate within an environment, is particularly vulnerable to age-related decline. At CD BioSciences, we offer gold-standard behavioral tests to assess spatial memory in animal models for aging evaluation, including the Morris Water Maze (MWM) and Y Maze.
- Morris water maze test services. Our Morris water maze test consists of a 4-part trial that includes visible platforms, hidden platforms, probes, and inversions. By tracking the animal's ability to navigate the maze and locate the hidden platform, we help clients identify specific cognitive deficits and analyze the underlying age-related neurological mechanisms that drive spatial memory formation and retrieval.
Y maze test services. In the Y maze test, we help clients record the sequence of arm entries and calculate the percentage of spontaneous alternations (consecutive entries into three different arms). Complementing the spontaneous alternation test, the Y Maze novel arm exploration test allows clients to evaluate the animal's recognition of a novel environment. Our experts offer detailed reports that uncover the age-related alterations in spatial working memory, enabling our clients to make progress in their research.
Characterization of Cognitive Aging of Recognition Memory
Recognition memory, the ability to recognize previously encountered stimuli, is another cognitive function affected by aging. CD BioSciences offers expertise in the novel object recognition (NOR) test to characterize age-related changes in recognition memory. Our experts perform NOR tests on animals of different age groups (e.g., young, middle-aged, and old) to evaluate the impact of aging on cognitive function. Our services, including habituation, training, and test sessions, are particularly useful for evaluating age-related changes in visual recognition memory, a crucial component of cognitive function. Our comprehensive data analysis not only reveals the impact of aging on object recognition memory but also serves as an early indicator of cognitive decline.
Characterization of Cognitive Aging of Contextual Memory
Contextual memory involves remembering the context in which an event occurred, including the spatial and temporal aspects. CD BioSciences provides comprehensive services for contextual fear conditioning experiments to assess the impact of aging on an animal's capacity to learn and remember the association between a neutral stimulus and an aversive event. By measuring the animal's freezing response during the testing phase, we help clients unveil cognitive changes that occur with aging.
Characterization of Cognitive Aging of Associative Learning
Associative learning, the ability to form connections between disparate stimuli, is a fundamental cognitive process that is often impacted by aging. At CD BioSciences, we offer specialized services to evaluate associative learning in animal models. Our team of specialists employs various techniques, such as classical conditioning and operant conditioning, to assess the animal's capacity to learn and remember associations. By analyzing the animal's behavioral responses and identifying key neurobiological markers, we assist our clients in unveiling the mechanisms underlying age-related changes in associative learning.
At CD BioSciences, our team of biological experts harnesses the power of innovative animal models to uncover the nuances of cognitive processes and their evolution in aging. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.
References
- Brito DVC, et al. Assessing cognitive decline in the aging brain: lessons from rodent and human studies. NPJ Aging, 2023, 9 (1): 23.
- Foster TC, et al. Characterizing cognitive aging of spatial and contextual memory in animal models. Front Aging Neurosci, 2012, 4: 12.
- Burke SN, et al. Characterizing cognitive aging of recognition memory and related processes in animal models and in humans. Front Aging Neurosci, 2012; 4: 15.
- Engle JR, Barnes CA. Characterizing cognitive aging of associative memory in animal models. Front Aging Neurosci, 2012, 4: 10.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
