Varied Environmental Enrichment Schedules Differentially Affect Behavioral Performance
Major
Neuroscience
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Neuroscience, Psychology
Faculty Advisor
Joe Williams
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-11-2026 11:15 AM
End Date
4-11-2026 12:30 PM
Abstract
Cognitive decline is a widespread phenomenon that affects a significant population of older adults. Environmental enrichment has been linked with the potential curbing and reversal of cognitive decline, specifically the restoration of immune cell function and improved neuroplasticity. Despite the amount of research showing the beneficial effects of environmental enrichment for cognitive decline, paradigms for environmental enrichment are heterogeneous across the literature. A primary factor that differs across studies is the duration of administration of environmental enrichment. Few studies have compared differential schedules of environmental enrichment and their relationship with performance on behavioral testing. Because of the heterogeneity of environmental enrichment paradigms in the literature, the present study used one cohort of rats (n = 4) that received no enrichment, and three cohorts of rats (n = 4 each) with differing schedules of environmental enrichment: 24 hours, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. The open field test and the elevated plus maze were used as behavioral tests and measurements of depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. It is predicted that rats placed in longer durations of environmental enrichment will perform better on behavioral tests. Keywords: cognitive decline, environmental enrichment, schedules of enrichment
Varied Environmental Enrichment Schedules Differentially Affect Behavioral Performance
CNS Atrium
Cognitive decline is a widespread phenomenon that affects a significant population of older adults. Environmental enrichment has been linked with the potential curbing and reversal of cognitive decline, specifically the restoration of immune cell function and improved neuroplasticity. Despite the amount of research showing the beneficial effects of environmental enrichment for cognitive decline, paradigms for environmental enrichment are heterogeneous across the literature. A primary factor that differs across studies is the duration of administration of environmental enrichment. Few studies have compared differential schedules of environmental enrichment and their relationship with performance on behavioral testing. Because of the heterogeneity of environmental enrichment paradigms in the literature, the present study used one cohort of rats (n = 4) that received no enrichment, and three cohorts of rats (n = 4 each) with differing schedules of environmental enrichment: 24 hours, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. The open field test and the elevated plus maze were used as behavioral tests and measurements of depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. It is predicted that rats placed in longer durations of environmental enrichment will perform better on behavioral tests. Keywords: cognitive decline, environmental enrichment, schedules of enrichment