Article
Clinical Neurology
Kacie D. Deters, Elizabeth C. Mormino, Lei Yu, Michael W. Lutz, David A. Bennett, Lisa L. Barnes
Summary: The study investigated the effects of APOE-TOMM40-'523 haplotypes on cognitive decline in non-demented non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) and compared these effects to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). Results showed that the '523-S/S haplotype had different effects on cognitive decline in NHB depending on APOE allele, and that differences in the effect of epsilon 4-'523-S in NHB may explain previous mixed findings on epsilon 4 and decline in this population.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marta Portero-Tresserra, Neus Galofre-Lopez, Elisabet Pallares, Claudia Gimenez-Montes, Carlos Barcia, Roser Granero, Divka Rojic-Becker, Anna Vale-Martinez, Margarita Marti-Nicolovius, Gemma Guillazo-Blanch
Summary: Age-related changes in the brain significantly impact hippocampal structure and function, leading to cognitive impairments such as deteriorating spatial object recognition (SOR) memory. Both intrinsic factors like neuroinflammation and lifestyle factors like diet can influence aging-related brain function and cognitive performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of caloric restriction (CR) on SOR memory, hippocampal neuron loss, neurogenesis, and inflammation in aged male rats. The results showed that CR attenuated the decline in SOR memory, hippocampal neuron loss, and microglial activation associated with aging, while also reducing neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Samantha J. Booth, Laura J. E. Brown, Jason R. Taylor, Gorana Pobric
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of training schedule on the performance of working memory training (WMT) and its transfer tasks in healthy older adults. The results showed that participants were able to successfully perform the cognitively demanding intervention using their own devices at home, and comparable training effects were observed regardless of the intensity of the training schedule. However, while the WMT group showed significant improvement in the WMT task, there was no evidence of near or far transfer effects.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dheeraj S. Roy, Ying Zhang, Tomomi Aida, Chenjie Shen, Keith M. Skaggs, Yuanyuan Hou, Morgan Fleishman, Olivia Mosto, Alyssa Weninger, Guoping Feng
Summary: A specific region of the anterior thalamic nuclei plays a key role in spatial working memory tasks in aged mice, and targeting this region may be more beneficial for cognitive functions with fewer unintended effects compared to direct manipulation of the prefrontal cortex. Activation of neurons or circuits in this region can improve working memory, while direct activation of prefrontal cortex neurons may lead to increased anxiety levels in aged mice.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Christian Baeuchl, Franka Gloeckner, Christoph Koch, Johannes Petzold, Nicolas W. Schuck, Michael N. Smolka, Shu-Chen Li
Summary: The aging process leads to changes in spatial navigation behavior, with older adults relying more on proximal location cues instead of environmental boundaries. Deficient dopaminergic modulation may contribute to errors during spatial navigation in older adults. Administering levodopa in young and older adults affected brain responses and memory retrieval differently, with older adults showing upregulation in the medial temporal lobe and brainstem. While L-DOPA had no effect on older adults' overall memory performance, it improved spatial memory and increased boundary processing in some individuals.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jeremy Ebersole, Gregory Rose, Tore Eid, Kevin Behar, Peter Patrylo
Summary: The age-related decrease in hippocampal metabolism is correlated with cognitive decline. However, the resting state neural metabolism and GLU-GLN cycling may be preserved during aging. Enhanced astroglial metabolism observed in aged cognitively-unimpaired rats may serve as a compensatory change to maintain hippocampus-dependent cognitive function.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Macarena S. Arrazola, Matias Lira, Felipe Veliz-Valverde, Gabriel Quiroz, Somya Iqbal, Samantha L. Eaton, Douglas J. Lamont, Hernan Huerta, Gonzalo Ureta, Sebastian Bernales, J. Cesar Cardenas, Waldo Cerpa, Thomas M. Wishart, Felipe A. Court
Summary: Age is a major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, with axonal degeneration being an early event in the aged brain. This study found that inhibiting necroptosis, a form of cell death, delayed age-associated axonal degeneration and neuroinflammation, protecting against cognitive decline in mice. Inhibition of necroptosis also improved the hippocampal proteome and its associated functions, such as synaptic plasticity. These findings suggest that necroptosis plays a role in age-related brain degeneration and targeting it could be a potential strategy to treat memory impairment and cognitive decline.
Article
Neurosciences
Courtney Glavis-Bloom, Casey R. Vanderlip, John H. Reynolds
Summary: Research on aging marmosets has shown that aged animals exhibit delayed onset of learning, slowed learning rate after onset, and decreased asymptotic working memory performance, which are not accounted for by age-related impairments in motor speed and motivation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Anni Richter, Joram Soch, Jasmin M. Kizilirmak, Larissa Fischer, Hartmut Schutze, Anne Assmann, Gusalija Behnisch, Hannah Feldhoff, Lea Knopf, Matthias Raschick, Annika Schult, Constanze I. Seidenbecher, Renat Yakupov, Emrah Duezel, Bjorn H. Schott
Summary: In this study, we investigated the associations between two single-value scores and brain function and cognitive changes in middle-aged and older adults. The results showed that these scores were related to memory recall performance and one of the scores also correlated with brain gray matter and other neuropsychological measures. This suggests that single-value scores of memory-related fMRI provide valuable information about network dysfunction in individuals and age-related cognitive decline.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Joram Soch, Anni Richter, Hartmut Schuetze, Jasmin M. Kizilirmak, Anne Assmann, Gusalija Behnisch, Hannah Feldhoff, Larissa Fischer, Julius Heil, Lea Knopf, Christian Merkel, Matthias Raschick, Clara-Johanna Schietke, Annika Schult, Constanze Seidenbecher, Renat Yakupov, Gabriel Ziegler, Jens Wiltfang, Emrah Duezel, Bjoern H. Schott
Summary: As older adults, especially those at risk for dementia, show declines in memory performance, fMRI can be used to detect alterations in memory network activity. The FADE and FADE-SAME scores are developed as potential biomarkers for successful aging and are correlated with behavioral measures of cognitive aging.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lynn Nadel
Summary: The article discusses why our conceptions of space and time are intertwined with memory in the hippocampal formation, pointing out that animals bridge spatial and temporal gaps through the creation of internal models. The hippocampal formation plays a critical role in this process by constructing cognitive maps, creating neural trajectories, and simulating possible futures.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam M. Brickman, Lok-Kin Yeung, Daniel M. Alschuler, Javier I. Ottaviani, Gunter G. C. Kuhnle, Richard P. Sloan, Heike Luttmann-Gibson, Trisha Copeland, Hagen Schroeter, Howard D. Sesso, JoAnn E. Manson, Melanie Wall, Scott A. Small
Summary: Dietary flavanols, found in certain fruits and vegetables, have been associated with cognitive aging. In a large-scale study, habitual flavanol consumption and diet quality were positively correlated with hippocampal-dependent memory. Although the intervention did not improve memory in all participants after 1 year, it restored memory in those with lower diet quality or lower habitual flavanol consumption.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Niklas Lonnemann, Martin Korte, Shirin Hosseini
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease with no successful treatment. In addition to its features, neuroinflammatory processes, genetic factors, and lifestyle also play important roles. Training in a water maze has shown positive effects on memory formation in AD mice.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Mayuri Shukla, Bruno Vincent
Summary: Methamphetamine abuse can have detrimental effects on various parts of the memory system, including the learning process. The structural similarities between this drug and dopamine can lead to cognitive deficits and potentially trigger neurodegenerative disorders.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chris B. Martin, Bryan Hong, Rachel N. Newsome, Katarina Savel, Melissa E. Meade, Andrew Xia, Christopher J. Honey, Morgan D. Barense
Summary: The act of remembering everyday experiences affects our perception of the world, future thinking, and self-perception. However, the ability to recall specific details and relive the past tends to decline with age. To address this, a smartphone application called HippoCamera was developed to help older adults enhance their episodic memory. By repeatedly reactivating memories of real-world events, participants experienced improved recollection and more positive emotions. These benefits were observed shortly after the intervention and even after a 3-month delay.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Abbi R. Hernandez, Jessica M. Hoffman, Caesar M. Hernandez, Constanza J. Cortes, Patricia Jumbo-Lucioni, Mark G. Baxter, Karyn A. Esser, Andrew C. Liu, Lori L. McMahon, Jennifer L. Bizon, Sara N. Burke, Thomas W. Buford, Christy S. Carter
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jessica M. Hoffman, Caesar M. Hernandez, Abbi R. Hernandez, Jennifer L. Bizon, Sara N. Burke, Christy S. Carter, Thomas W. Buford
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are commonly diagnosed in older individuals, but there is often a lack of collaboration between gerontologists and neuroscientists. Enhanced cooperation between the two fields could lead to more efficient research with translational potential.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Caesar M. Hernandez, Abigail R. Hernandez, Jessica M. Hoffman, Peter H. King, Lori L. McMahon, Thomas W. Buford, Christy Carter, Jennifer L. Bizon, Sara N. Burke
Summary: The article discusses the history of neuroscience research on the neurobiology of aging and introduces gerontologists to the methodological approaches used by neuroscientists. The goal is to enhance collaboration between neuroscientists and gerontologists in order to strengthen the field of cognitive aging.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Samantha M. Smith, Sabrina Zequeira, Meena Ravi, Sarah A. Johnson, Andriena M. Hampton, Aleyna M. Ross, Wonn Pyon, Andrew P. Maurer, Jennifer L. Bizon, Sara N. Burke
Summary: This study examined cognition in aged rats using a cross-species touchscreen-based platform known as paired-associates learning (PAL) and trial-by-trial behavioral analysis approach. The results revealed age-related deficits in PAL task acquisition in male rats, which appeared to be caused by vulnerability to accumulating, proactive interference. This detailed behavioral analysis provides new insights into the etiology of age-associated cognitive deficits.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Caesar M. Hernandez, Joseph A. McQuail, Tyler W. Ten Eyck, Alexa-Rae Wheeler, Chase C. Labiste, Barry Setlow, Jennifer L. Bizon
Summary: The ability to choose between immediate and delayed gratification is crucial for well-being. This study investigates the neural mechanisms underlying age differences in intertemporal choice using a rat model. The findings suggest that GABA(B) receptors in the prelimbic cortex and basolateral amygdala contribute to these age differences, and the expression of GABA(B)R subunits differs in these brain regions among aged rats.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Shelby L. Blaes, Kristy G. Shimp, Sara M. Betzhold, Barry Setlow, Caitlin A. Orsini
Summary: Individuals who use cocaine tend to overvalue rewards and underestimate potential risks. This study found that chronic cocaine self-administration in young adult male rats leads to long-term increases in risk taking. However, the route of cocaine administration and gender did not significantly affect cocaine's impact on risk taking.
BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Nicole D. Fitzgerald, Yiyang Liu, Anna Wang, Catherine W. Striley, Barry Setlow, Lori Knackstedt, Linda B. Cottler
Summary: This study developed a new assessment tool (PSU-TPS) to detect detailed temporal patterns of polysubstance use. The PSU-TPS showed good reliability in measuring the frequency, quantity, and duration of polysubstance use in the past 30 days.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Brianna Costales, Scott M. Vouri, Joshua D. Brown, Barry Setlow, Amie J. Goodin
Summary: This study examines the pharmacotherapy treatment patterns for early-onset idiopathic RLS and finds that ropinirole, pramipexole, and gabapentin are the most commonly initiated treatments. However, persistence is low and the use of FDA-approved drugs for RLS is less frequent.
Editorial Material
Behavioral Sciences
Barry Setlow, Jennifer L. Bizon
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Karienn A. Souza, Andrew Powell, Gregg C. Allen, David J. Earnest
Summary: Preclinical quantitative models of cognitive performance are necessary for translation from basic research to clinical studies. To address the limitations of existing models in rodents, researchers developed a cognitive index based on mice's strategies in escaping the Barnes maze. The cognitive index was positively correlated with the memory portion of the task in all age groups. The study also found age-related alterations in circadian entrainment of the activity rhythm, which preceded learning and memory deficits in aged mice. The results suggest that circadian rhythm disturbances may serve as an early predictor of age-related cognitive decline.
FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Caitlin A. Orsini, Wonn S. Pyon, Richard J. Dragone, Mojdeh Faraji, Alexa-Rae Wheeler, Marjory Pompilus, Marcelo Febo, Jennifer L. Bizon, Barry Setlow
Summary: Altered decision making at advanced ages can impact quality of life and personal independence. Rodent models have been useful in understanding age-related changes in decision making, but have focused mostly on rewards and timing, neglecting the potential risk of adverse consequences. This study used a rat model to examine age-related changes in decision making and identified potential cognitive and neurobiological mechanisms, finding that aged rats displayed greater risk aversion and changes in brain connectivity.
Article
Neurosciences
Leah M. Truckenbrod, Sara M. Betzhold, Alexa-Rae Wheeler, John Shallcross, Sarthak Singhal, Scott Harden, Marek Schwendt, Charles J. Frazier, Jennifer L. Bizon, Barry Setlow, Caitlin A. Orsini
Summary: Decision making is a complex cognitive process that involves brain regions such as BLA and NAcSh. Recent research suggests that communication between these structures and activity of D2R-expressing cells in NAcSh are necessary for decision making. However, their contributions during decision making under risk of punishment are still unknown.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Diana P. P. Guerra, Wei Wang, Karienn A. A. Souza, Justin M. M. Moscarello
Summary: The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays a role in aversive responses to uncertain threat. This study investigates the contribution of BNST to a task where subjects learn to prevent an aversive outcome. Chemogenetic inhibition of BNST reduces the avoidance response in male rats, while inactivation of the neighboring medial septum has no effect, suggesting that BNST specifically mediates avoidance behavior. Activation of BNST extends the tone-evoked shuttling period, suggesting a sex-specific role of the systems underlying proactive defensive behavior.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Brianna Costales, Scott M. Vouri, Joshua D. Brown, Barry Setlow, Amie J. Goodin
Summary: Limited long-term safety information exists for gabapentinoid treatment of idiopathic restless legs syndrome. This study found higher incidence rates of mental health-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations among early-onset idiopathic RLS patients treated with gabapentinoids compared to dopamine agonists. However, no statistically significant risk of mental health diagnoses was detected.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Sarah N. Kraeutner, Cristina Rubino, Jennifer K. Ferris, Shie Rinat, Lauren Penko, Larissa Chiu, Brian Greeley, Christina B. Jones, Beverley C. Larssen, Lara A. Boyd
Summary: This study examined the age-related changes in brain function and baseline brain structure that support motor skill acquisition. The findings showed that older adults experienced decreases in functional connectivity during motor skill acquisition, while younger adults experienced increases. Additionally, regardless of age group, lower baseline microstructure in a frontoparietal tract was associated with slower motor skill acquisition.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Karen Nuytemans, Farid Rajabli, Melissa Jean-Francois, Jiji Thulaseedhara Kurup, Larry D. Adams, Takiyah D. Starks, Patrice L. Whitehead, Brian W. Kunkle, Allison Caban-Holt, Jonathan L. Haines, Michael L. Cuccaro, Jeffery M. Vance, Goldie S. Byrd, Gary W. Beecham, Christiane Reitz, Margaret A. Pericak-Vance
Summary: This study conducted genetic research on African American AD families and identified a significant linkage signal associated with AD, highlighting the importance of diverse population-level genetic data in understanding the genetic determinants of AD.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Kazuya Suwabe, Ryuta Kuwamizu, Kazuki Hyodo, Toru Yoshikawa, Takeshi Otsuki, Asako Zempo-Miyaki, Michael A. Yassa, Hideaki Soya
Summary: Physical exercise has a positive impact on hippocampal memory decline with aging. Recent studies have shown that even light exercise can improve memory and this improvement is mediated by the ascending arousal system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of light-intensity exercise on hippocampal memory function in healthy older adults and found that pupil dilation during exercise played a role in the memory improvement.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ajay Sood, Ana Werneck Capuano, Robert Smith Wilson, Lisa Laverne Barnes, Alifiya Kapasi, David Alan Bennett, Zoe Arvanitakis
Summary: The objective of this study was to explore the impact of metformin on cognition and brain pathology. The results showed that metformin users had slower decline in global cognition, episodic memory, and semantic memory compared to non-users. However, the relationship between metformin use and certain brain pathology remains uncertain.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Brian N. Lee, Junwen Wang, Molly A. Hall, Dokyoon Kim, Shana D. Stites, Li Shen
Summary: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory and functional impairments. This study analyzed participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and found differential associations between cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)/neuroimaging biomarkers and cognitive/functional outcomes, as well as variations between sexes. These findings suggest that sex differences may play a role in the development of AD.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Madeline R. Hale, Rebecca Langhough, Lianlian Du, Bruce P. Hermann, Carol A. Van Hulle, Margherita Carboni, Gwendlyn Kollmorgenj, Kristin E. Basche, Davide Bruno, Leah Sanson-Miles, Erin M. Jonaitis, Nathaniel A. Chin, Ozioma C. Okonkwo, Barbara B. Bendlin, Cynthia M. Carlsson, Henrik Zetterberg, Kaj Blennow, Tobey J. Betthauser, Sterling C. Johnson, Kimberly D. Mueller
Summary: This study demonstrates a relationship between cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and the ability to recall proper names in the preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Thomas T. Austin, Christian L. Thomas, Ben Warren
Summary: This study investigated the effects of age on the robustness and resilience of auditory system using the desert locust. The researchers found that gene expression changes were mainly influenced by age rather than noise exposure. Both young and aged locusts were able to recover their auditory nerve function within 48 hours of noise exposure, but the recovery of transduction current magnitude was impaired in aged locusts. Key genes responsible for robustness to noise exposure in young locusts and potential candidates for compensatory mechanisms in auditory neurons of aged locusts were identified.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING
(2024)
