Faculty mentor/PI email address
janson@memorymatters.org
Keywords
Morris Water Maze, Alzheimer's, rat, memory, learning, behavior
IRB or IACUC Protocol Number
2023-1338
Date of Presentation
5-6-2026 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Transgenic APP/PS1 rat models offer improved translational relevance compared to mouse models due to closer similarity to human neurobiology.
Objective: To establish a baseline profile of spatial learning and memory across age and genotype in rate model.
Methods: The Morris Water Maze (MWM) was used to assess four groups of rats: young Wild Type (WT), young APP/PS1 (AD), middle-aged WT, and middle-aged AD. Spatial learning was evaluated during acquisition (Day 1–4) using cumulative proximity and escape latency. Memory was assessed using probe trials (Day 2–4). Swim velocity served as a control. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA.
Results: All groups improved across training; however, young WT rats showed the most efficient learning, while middle-aged AD rats exhibited the greatest impairment. Probe trials revealed reduced memory retention in AD and middle-aged groups, with the strongest deficits in middle-aged AD animals.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate age- and genotype-dependent cognitive deficits and establish a baseline for future longitudinal and intervention studies. Benchmark data will be used as part of normative data in future studies.
Disciplines
Disease Modeling | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nervous System Diseases
YouTube Video Link
Included in
Age and Genotype-Dependent Baseline Characterization of Spatial Learning and Memory in APP/PS1 Rats Using the Morris Water Maze
Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline. Transgenic APP/PS1 rat models offer improved translational relevance compared to mouse models due to closer similarity to human neurobiology.
Objective: To establish a baseline profile of spatial learning and memory across age and genotype in rate model.
Methods: The Morris Water Maze (MWM) was used to assess four groups of rats: young Wild Type (WT), young APP/PS1 (AD), middle-aged WT, and middle-aged AD. Spatial learning was evaluated during acquisition (Day 1–4) using cumulative proximity and escape latency. Memory was assessed using probe trials (Day 2–4). Swim velocity served as a control. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA.
Results: All groups improved across training; however, young WT rats showed the most efficient learning, while middle-aged AD rats exhibited the greatest impairment. Probe trials revealed reduced memory retention in AD and middle-aged groups, with the strongest deficits in middle-aged AD animals.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate age- and genotype-dependent cognitive deficits and establish a baseline for future longitudinal and intervention studies. Benchmark data will be used as part of normative data in future studies.