Models & Assays
Visuospatial Complex Learning and Short-term Memory
Transpharmation provides two tests of increasing difficulty that target this cognitive domain; the delayed non-matching to position test (DNMP) and the serial list learning task (SLL). Various test designs are available although a typical design may involve testing acute effects of an NCE on a variable-delay paradigm that allows assessment of rapid memory enhancing or impairing effects, or on long-term prevention on the progressive decline seen with age. The tests are readily adaptable to man and both MCI and Alzheimer’s patients show impairment on variations of these tasks compared to normal controls. These tasks are particularly sensitive to drugs targeting the cholinergic system, including the cholinesterase inhibitors.