Cognition is probably the most complex mental process by which knowledge is acquired. Cognition refers to the ability to learn new skills and information, to store them in the form of different types of memories and, ultimately, retrieve and apply this knowledge in everyday activities. Cognition is a highly complex mental procedure, which requires the coordinated action of several brain regions. Cognitive impairments represent a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, tauopathies, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and many more, as well as mental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Cognition is not a uniquely human characteristic and cognitive impairments can be successfully modeled in rodents through genetic alterations or by drug administration. Various ethologically relevant behavioral tests can be employed to readily measure and quantify the efficacy of novel compounds and treatment regimens on cognition. QPS Neuropharmacology has over 20 years experiences in the development and characterization of valid genetic and induced cognition models and its application in preclinical drug development. Today, QPS Neuropharmacology offers a whole series of mice modeling cognitive decline as observed in several different diseases.
Learning and memory represent key features of cognition and can be successfully measured in translational studies utilizing animal models. At QPS Neuropharmacology, a plethora of behavioral tests are available that are well-suited to evaluate different aspects of learning and memory including, but not limited to, spatial memory, short-term working, recognition memory, emotional associative learning and reversal learning. Most importantly, these distinct aspects of learning and memory are governed by different brain regions and are differentially affected by the presence of neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders.
We are happy to receive your inquiry to elaborate on the most efficient options for your in vivo study and to complement behavioral testing with immunohistochemical, biochemical, and molecular biological techniques.
Can’t find what you are looking for? We are constantly establishing new tests and would be glad to develop tests according to your requirements.
The most-commonly employed cognitive behavioral tests are: