Preclinical Behavioral and Cognitive Testing Services

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is marked by progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes that profoundly impact quality of life. Understanding these complex symptoms requires preclinical models that accurately replicate human pathology and enable rigorous evaluation of potential therapies. At Ace Therapeutics, we specialize in preclinical behavioral and cognitive testing using validated AD animal models, providing researchers with the tools to assess drug efficacy, unravel disease mechanisms, and bridge the gap between lab discoveries and clinical success.

Why Behavioral Testing Matters in Alzheimer's Research

Behavioral and cognitive assessments are critical for capturing the multifaceted nature of AD. While biomarkers and molecular analyses reveal pathological hallmarks like amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles, behavioral testing directly measures how these pathologies impair memory, learning, and daily functioning.

Fig. 1. Recently introduced behavioral tests. (Hånell, A., et al., 2014)

Core Behavioral and Cognitive Services

Our services focus on models that mirror human cognitive deficits, ensuring translational relevance for drug development.

By integrating advanced behavioral paradigms with genetic and pharmacological interventions, we help researchers answer key questions

• How does Aβ accumulation correlate with spatial memory decline?
• Can a drug restore synaptic plasticity and reverse cognitive impairment?
• Do neuroinflammatory changes drive anxiety-related behaviors in AD models?

Spatial Memory and Navigation Testing

Spatial memory deficits are a hallmark of AD. We employ gold-standard assays to evaluate this domain

• Morris Water Maze
  Assess hippocampal-dependent learning by measuring escape latency and quadrant preference in transgenic models like APP/PS1 and 5xFAD mice.
• Barnes Maze
  Study spatial learning in a less stressful environment using visual cues and escape box navigation.
• Radial Arm Maze
  Quantify working memory errors in rodents trained to retrieve rewards from specific arms.

Recognition and Associative Memory

Memory loss in AD extends beyond spatial navigation. Our tests include

• Novel Object Recognition
  Detect recognition memory deficits by comparing exploration of familiar vs. novel objects.
• Fear Conditioning
  Evaluate contextual and cued fear memory to study amygdala-hippocampal interactions.
• Object Location Memory
  Measure ability to recognize displaced objects, linking hippocampal function to episodic memory.

Working Memory and Cognitive Flexibility

AD disrupts executive function. We assess these domains using

• Y-Maze Spontaneous Alternation
  Track natural exploration patterns to gauge short-term working memory.
• T-Maze Tasks
  Test cognitive flexibility through reward-based reversal learning challenges.

Social and Anxiety-Related Behaviors

Neuropsychiatric symptoms often accompany cognitive decline. Our protocols include

• Social Recognition Assays
  Monitor interactions with familiar vs. unfamiliar conspecifics to study social memory.
• Open Field Test
  Analyze locomotion, thigmotaxis, and anxiety-like behaviors in Aβ-overexpressing rodents.
• Nest-Building Assessment
  Evaluate naturalistic behaviors disrupted by tauopathy or synaptic loss.

Advanced Phenotyping Tools

We leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance accuracy and throughput

• Automated Video Tracking
  Objectively quantify movement, exploration, and interaction patterns.
• Touchscreen Operant Tasks
  Train rodents on complex cognitive tasks using visual stimuli and reward systems.
• Home Cage Monitoring
  Capture circadian rhythms and spontaneous behaviors in longitudinal studies.

Ace Therapeutics combines cutting-edge models, scalable platforms, and deep disease expertise to illuminate the path from bench to preclinical success. Contact us today to build a tailored testing strategy that aligns with your scientific goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Our products and services are for research use only and can not be used for diagnostic or other purposes.