010-23 – Translating a Novel Schema Memory Paradigm to Advance Understanding of Memory Processes in Animals and Humans

Memories are known to be stronger when they are connected to existing knowledge or schemas. Extensive research on schema formation in animal models has provided valuable insights into the neurobiology underlying memory consolidation. The schema paradigm in rodents has allowed the exploration of the neurobiology behind schema formation and its connection to memory consolidation. However, there remains a significant gap in our understanding due to the lack of a animal paradigm translated for human studies. This first aim of the project is to bridge this gap by translating a novel schema memory paradigm from animals to humans. By doing so, we seek to advance our understanding of memory processes in both species and shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the assimilation of new information into pre-existing schemas.
In addition, spatial navigation has been investigated as a cognitive fingerprint to identify pre-clinical Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The second objective of the project is to explore the potential of this schema paradigm as a behavioural marker. This investigation utilizes animal models of schema formation and emphasizes the significant influence of prior knowledge in enhancing memory strength. The present research aims to fulfil the requirement for a translatable behavioural model that can effectively detect changes related to AD in both animal and human participants.
We have developed a maze-like computer-based paradigm that involves a paired-associate object-location task with the purpose of measuring spatial navigation abilities in four different groups of participants (N=140); early onset AD (31–65), middle-aged non-AD controls (31–65), elderly (>65+), and young (18–30; n=35 per group).