Basal forebrain activation improves working memory in senescent monkeys.

ABSTRACT: Brain aging contributes to cognitive decline and risk of dementia. Degeneration of the basal forebrain cholinergic system parallels these changes in aging, Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's dementia, and Lewy body dementia, and thus is a common element linked to executive function across the lifespan and in disease states. Here, we tested the potential of one-hour daily intermittent basal forebrain stimulation to improve cognition in senescent Rhesus monkeys, and its mechanisms of action. Stimulation in five animals improved working memory duration in each animal over 8-12 weeks, with peak improvements observed in the first four weeks. In an ensuing three month period without stimulation, improvements were retained. With additional stimulation, performance remained above baseline throughou

SUBMITTER: Pennington KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12076211 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature