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A Model System Demonstrating Parallels in Animal and Human Aging: Extension to Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Chapter
Novel Approaches to the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Part of the book series: Advances in Behavioral Biology ((ABBI,volume 36))

Abstract

The model system, classical conditioning of the eyeblink response in rabbits and humans, has a number of advantages for research on the neurobiology of learning and memory in normal aging. This model system may also have application to the study of senile dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (SDAT). Useful features of this model system for the study of learning and memory and its neurobiological substrates have been elaborated by Gormezano (1966) and Thompson et al. (1976). Woodruff-Pak and Thompson (1985) have highlighted the potential of this model system for research on the neurobiology of learning, memory, and aging. Among the advantages of classical conditioning of the eyeblink response in rabbits and humans are that:

  1. 1.

    Dramatic parallels in acquisition of this simple form of learning exist between humans and rabbits.

  2. 2.

    The neural circuitry underlying classical conditioning of the eyeblink response has been almost completely identified. The essential site of the plasticity for learning resides in the ipsilateral cerebellum, and the hippocampus plays a modulatory role.

  3. 3.

    Large age differences in the rate and level of acquisition exist in both humans and rabbits.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA

    Diana S. Woodruff-Pak, Richard G. Finkbiner & Ira R. Katz

  2. Philadelphia Geriatric Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, USA

    Diana S. Woodruff-Pak, Richard G. Finkbiner & Ira R. Katz

Authors
  1. Diana S. Woodruff-Pak
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  2. Richard G. Finkbiner
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  3. Ira R. Katz
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

    Edwin M. Meyer  & James W. Simpkins  & 

  2. Taiho Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Tokushima, Japan

    Jyunji Yamamoto

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© 1989 Plenum Press, New York

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Woodruff-Pak, D.S., Finkbiner, R.G., Katz, I.R. (1989). A Model System Demonstrating Parallels in Animal and Human Aging: Extension to Alzheimer’s Disease. In: Meyer, E.M., Simpkins, J.W., Yamamoto, J. (eds) Novel Approaches to the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Advances in Behavioral Biology, vol 36. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5727-8_30

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5727-8_30

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-5727-8

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