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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2023.10.21.563408

Parietal stimulation reverses age-related decline in exploration, learning, and decision-making

Hwang, E. J.·Korde, S.·Han, Y.·Sambangi, J.·Lian, B.·Owusu-Ofori, A.·Diasamidze, M.·Wong, L. M.·Pickering, N.·Begin, S.
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Abstract

Aging can compromise decision-making and learning, potentially due to reduced exploratory behaviors crucial for novel problem-solving. We posit that invigorating exploration could mitigate these declines. Supporting this hypothesis, we found that older mice mirrored human aging, displaying less exploration and learning during decision-making, but optogenetic stimulation of their posterior parietal cortex boosted initial exploration, subsequently improving learning. Thus, enhancing exploration-driven learning could be a key to countering cognitive aging.

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Hwang, E. J., Korde, S., Han, Y., Sambangi, J., Lian, B., Owusu-Ofori, A., Diasamidze, M., Wong, L. M., Pickering, N., Begin, S.. 2023-10-23. Parietal stimulation reverses age-related decline in exploration, learning, and decision-making. https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.21.563408

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