Conserved regulators of cognitive aging: From worms to humans

Behav Brain Res. 2017 Mar 30;322(Pt B):299-310. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.035. Epub 2016 Jun 18.

Abstract

Cognitive decline is a major deficit that arises with age in humans. While some research on the underlying causes of these problems can be done in humans, harnessing the strengths of small model systems, particularly those with well-studied longevity mutants, such as the nematode C. elegans, will accelerate progress. Here we review the approaches being used to study cognitive decline in model organisms and show how simple model systems allow the rapid discovery of conserved molecular mechanisms, which will eventually enable the development of therapeutics to slow cognitive aging.

Keywords: Aging; Cognitive aging; Cognitive decline; Longevity; Model systems.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans
  • Cognitive Aging / physiology*
  • Cognitive Aging / psychology
  • Humans
  • Models, Animal