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Barbelivien A, Durieux L, Seys E, Majchrzak M. Intermittent working memory training during adulthood protects against age-related long-term spatial reference memory decline in rats. GeroScience 2024; 46:2223-2237. [PMID: 37910304 PMCID: PMC10828346 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00993-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Engagement in cognitive activity in adulthood is one of the factors that enable successful cognitive aging, both in humans and rodents. However, some studies emphasize that the beneficial effect on cognition of such an activity may reflect carry over from one test situation to another, including memory for procedural aspects of the behavioral tasks, and thus question whether this effect can be limited to the trained cognitive domain or whether it can be transferred to an untrained ones. In the current study, we assessed whether adulthood intermittent working memory training has beneficial effect on long-term memory of aged rats using two very different test situations. To this aim, rats trained in a delayed non-matching to position task in operant box at 3 and 15 months of age were tested in a place learning task in water maze when they were 24 months. The two tasks differ with regard to the cognitive domain but also in their spatial ability requirement and the nature of the reinforcer used. During the memory tests, accuracy of the platform search indicated age-related impairment only in the aged-untrained group. Thus, intermittent training during adult life in a task involving working memory protects aged animals from the deleterious effects of aging on spatial reference memory. This result highlights the long-term beneficial effects of training on a working memory task on an untrained cognitive domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Barbelivien
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives, Faculté de Psychologie, Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives, UMR 7364, CNRS, GDR Mémoire, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Laura Durieux
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives, Faculté de Psychologie, Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives, UMR 7364, CNRS, GDR Mémoire, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eliabel Seys
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives, Faculté de Psychologie, Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives, UMR 7364, CNRS, GDR Mémoire, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Monique Majchrzak
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives, Faculté de Psychologie, Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives, UMR 7364, CNRS, GDR Mémoire, 67000, Strasbourg, France
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Saad N, Raviv D, Mizrachi Zer-Aviv T, Akirav I. Cannabidiol Modulates Emotional Function and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Middle-Aged Female Rats Exposed to Social Isolation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15492. [PMID: 37895171 PMCID: PMC10607116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with changes in cognitive and emotional function. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported to attenuate stress and anxiety in human and animal studies. In this study, we aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of CBD among middle-aged female rats exposed to social isolation (SI) and the potential involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in these effects. Thirteen-month-old female rats were group-housed (GH) or exposed to social isolation (SI) and treated with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg). CBD restored the SI-induced immobility in the forced swim test and the SI-induced decrease in the expression of BDNF protein levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). CBD also increased the time that rats spent in the center in an open field, improved spatial training, and increased BDNF expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). BDNF expression was found to be correlated with an antidepressant (in the NAc) and an anxiolytic (in the mPFC, BLA, NAc) phenotype, and with learning improvement in the PFC. Together, our results suggest that CBD may serve as a beneficial agent for wellbeing in old age and may help with age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadya Saad
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (N.S.); (D.R.); (T.M.Z.-A.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Danielle Raviv
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (N.S.); (D.R.); (T.M.Z.-A.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Tomer Mizrachi Zer-Aviv
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (N.S.); (D.R.); (T.M.Z.-A.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel; (N.S.); (D.R.); (T.M.Z.-A.)
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Shi MM, Xu XF, Sun QM, Luo M, Liu DD, Guo DM, Chen L, Zhong XL, Xu Y, Cao WY. Betaine prevents cognitive dysfunction by suppressing hippocampal microglial activation in chronic social isolated male mice. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4755-4770. [PMID: 37846157 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic social isolation (SI) stress, which became more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributes to abnormal behavior, including mood changes and cognitive impairment. Known as a functional nutrient, betaine has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. However, whether betaine can alleviate the abnormal behavior induced by chronic SI in mice remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of betaine in the treatment of behavioral changes and its underlying mechanism. Three-week-old male mice were randomly housed for 8 weeks in either group housing (GH) or SI. The animals were divided into normal saline-treated GH, normal saline-treated SI, and betaine-treated SI groups in the sixth week. The cognitive and depression-like behavior was determined in the eighth week. We found that long-term betaine administration improved cognitive behavior in SI mice but failed to prevent depression-like behavior. Moreover, long-term betaine administration inhibited hippocampal microglia over-activation and polarized microglia toward the M2 phenotype, which effectively inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors in SI mice. Finally, the protective effect of betaine treatment in SI mice might not be due to altered activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Collectively, our findings reveal that betaine can improve SI-induced cognitive impairment, thus providing an alternative natural source for the prevention of memory loss caused by SI or loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Meng Shi
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Fan Xu
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Qiu Min Sun
- Department of Nursing, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, Hunan, China
| | - Mingying Luo
- Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Dan Dan Liu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Dong Min Guo
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Lin Zhong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Wen Yu Cao
- Clinical Anatomy and Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Popović N, Baño-Otalora B, Rol MÁ, Venero C, Madrid JA, Popović M. Effects of long-term individual housing of middle-aged female Octodon degus on spatial learning and memory in the Barnes maze task. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1221090. [PMID: 37600762 PMCID: PMC10435294 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1221090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prolonged social isolation is a form of passive chronic stress that has consequences on human and animal behavior. The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether the long-term isolation would precipitate age-related changes in anxiety and spatial learning and memory in degus. Methods We investigated the effects of long-term social isolation on anxiety levels in the light-dark test, and spatial orientation abilities in the Barnes maze. Middle-aged female Octodon degus were allocated to either group-housed (3 animals per cage) or individually-housed for 5 months. Results Under this experimental condition, there were no significant group differences in the anxiety level tested in the light-dark test and in the motivation to escape from the Barnes maze. There were no significant differences in cortisol levels between individually- and group-housed animals. On the last acquisition training day of spatial learning, individually- housed animals had a significantly higher number of correct responses and a smaller number of reference and working memory errors than the group-housed animals. In addition, isolated animals showed a tendency for reference and working memory impairment on the retention trial, while group-housed degus showed improvement in these parameters. Discussion and conclusion The present study indicates that prolonged social isolation during adulthood in female degus has a dual effect on spatial orientation. Specifically, it results in a significant improvement in acquisition skills but a slight impairment in memory retention. The obtained cognitive changes were not accompanied by modification in anxiety and cortisol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalija Popović
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Baño-Otalora
- Chronobiology Lab, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Mare Nostrum Campus, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Envejecimiento, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Rol
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Chronobiology Lab, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Mare Nostrum Campus, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Envejecimiento, Murcia, Spain
- Ciber Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Venero
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Mixto de Investigación–Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Madrid
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Chronobiology Lab, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Mare Nostrum Campus, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Envejecimiento, Murcia, Spain
- Ciber Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miroljub Popović
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Zhai W, Zhang T, Jin Y, Huang S, Xu M, Pan J. The fibroblast growth factor system in cognitive disorders and dementia. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1136266. [PMID: 37214403 PMCID: PMC10196031 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1136266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is the core precursor to dementia and other cognitive disorders. Current hypotheses suggest that they share a common pathological basis, such as inflammation, restricted neurogenesis, neuroendocrine disorders, and the destruction of neurovascular units. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are cell growth factors that play essential roles in various pathophysiological processes via paracrine or autocrine pathways. This system consists of FGFs and their receptors (FGFRs), which may hold tremendous potential to become a new biological marker in the diagnosis of dementia and other cognitive disorders, and serve as a potential target for drug development against dementia and cognitive function impairment. Here, we review the available evidence detailing the relevant pathways mediated by multiple FGFs and FGFRs, and recent studies examining their role in the pathogenesis and treatment of cognitive disorders and dementia.
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Casaletto K, Ramos-Miguel A, VandeBunte A, Memel M, Buchman A, Bennett D, Honer W. Late-life physical activity relates to brain tissue synaptic integrity markers in older adults. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:2023-2035. [PMID: 34994517 PMCID: PMC9259753 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physical activity (PA) is widely recommended for age-related brain health, yet its neurobiology is not well understood. Animal models indicate PA is synaptogenic. We examined the relationship between PA and synaptic integrity markers in older adults. METHODS Four hundred four decedents from the Rush Memory and Aging Project completed annual actigraphy monitoring (Mean visits = 3.5±2.4) and post mortem evaluation. Brain tissue was analyzed for presynaptic proteins (synaptophysin, synaptotagmin-1, vesicle-associated membrane proteins, syntaxin, complexin-I, and complexin-II), and neuropathology. Models examined relationships between late-life PA (averaged across visits), and timing-specific PA (time to autopsy) with synaptic proteins. RESULTS Greater late-life PA associated with higher presynaptic protein levels (0.14 < β < 0.20), except complexin-II (β = 0.08). Relationships were independent of pathology but timing specific; participants who completed actigraphy within 2 years of brain tissue measurements showed largest PA-to-synaptic protein associations (0.32 < β < 0.38). Relationships between PA and presynaptic proteins were comparable across brain regions sampled. DISCUSSION PA associates with synaptic integrity in a regionally global, but time-linked nature in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Casaletto
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alfredo Ramos-Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, CIBERSAM, University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Leioa, Spain
| | - Anna VandeBunte
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Molly Memel
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco California, USA
| | - Aron Buchman
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - David Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William Honer
- BC Mental Health and Substance Use, Services Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Johnson AC, Uhlig F, Einwag Z, Cataldo N, Erdos B. The neuroendocrine stress response impairs hippocampal vascular function and memory in male and female rats. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105717. [PMID: 35385769 PMCID: PMC9018625 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress affects brain regions involved in memory such as the hippocampus and accelerates age-related cognitive decline, including in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. However, little is known about how chronic stress impacts hippocampal vascular function that is critically involved in maintaining neurocognitive health that could contribute to stress-related memory dysfunction. Here, we used a novel experimental rat model that mimics the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular aspects of chronic stress to determine how the neuroendocrine components of the stress response affect hippocampal function. We studied both male and female rats to determine potential sex differences in the susceptibility of the hippocampus and its vasculature to neuroendocrine stress-induced dysfunction. We show that activation of neuroendocrine stress pathways impaired the vasoreactivity of hippocampal arterioles to mediators involved in coupling neuronal activity with local blood flow that was associated with impaired memory function. Interestingly, we found more hippocampal arteriolar dysfunction and scarcer hippocampal microvasculature in male compared to female rats that was associated with greater memory impairment, suggesting the male sex may be at increased risk of neuroendocrine-derived hippocampal dysfunction during chronic stress. Overall, this study revealed the therapeutic potential of targeting hippocampal arterioles to prevent or slow memory decline in the setting of prolonged and/or unavoidable stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbie C Johnson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA.
| | - Friederike Uhlig
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Zachary Einwag
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Noelle Cataldo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Benedek Erdos
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
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Verification of a multi-function closed maze for the detection of affective disorder and spatial cognitive impairment in post-weaning socially isolated rats. Neurosci Lett 2021; 763:136192. [PMID: 34419504 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify a behavioral device for the detection of learning, memory, and affective disorders in post-weaning socially isolated rats. METHODS We tested the behavioral changes in post-weaning socially isolated rats using a multi-function closed maze, a self-developed behavioral device, against the classical mood disorder detection method, the IntelliCage system and Morris water maze. RESULTS In the multifunctional closed maze experiment, the spatial learning and memory ability of post-weaning socially isolated rats decreased, which was consistent with the results of the water maze and IntelliCage system. Furthermore, the behavioral changes in the post-weaning socially isolated rats in the multi-function closed maze test were the same as those of the forced swimming and open field tests, indicating that the rats had depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. CONCLUSION A multi-function closed maze can detect emotional changes, spatial learning ability, and memory ability.
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Khaspekov LG. Current Views on the Role of Stress in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Neurodegenerative Diseases. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:737-745. [PMID: 34225596 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921060110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The review summarizes the results of studies on the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the impact of stress on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative brain pathologies (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, etc.) and presents current information on the role of stress in the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, aggregation of beta-amyloid, and hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis involved in the hyperproduction of factors that contribute to the pathogenetic role of stress in neurodegeneration. The data on the participation of microglia in the effects of stress on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases are presented.
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Ávila-Villanueva M, Gómez-Ramírez J, Maestú F, Venero C, Ávila J, Fernández-Blázquez MA. The Role of Chronic Stress as a Trigger for the Alzheimer Disease Continuum. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:561504. [PMID: 33192456 PMCID: PMC7642953 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.561504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Ávila-Villanueva
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Gómez-Ramírez
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Maestú
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience (UCM-UPM), Center for Biomedical Technology, Campus de Montegancedo, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Campus de Somosaguas, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Venero
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Center of Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Campus de Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain.,Network Center for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Fernández-Blázquez
- Alzheimer Disease Research Unit, CIEN Foundation, Carlos III Institute of Health, Queen Sofía Foundation Alzheimer Center, Madrid, Spain
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