Abstract
Past studies have shown how modifications in lifestyles contribute beneficial changes behaviorally and pathologically to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Environmental enrichment (EE) has been used to replicate and create an environment of physical and cognitive stimulation that modulates cognitive decline in AD. Incorporating an antioxidant rich diet has also been shown to have neuroprotective effects that influence behavior and cognition. In order to evaluate the neuroprotective impact of both treatments, the present study looked into how living in an enriched environment and receiving an antioxidant supplement, Protandim, had on 5xFAD model mice. Mice lived in EE and were treated with Protandim over a course of six months and behavior and cognition were assessed at the end of their treatment. The open field test assessed anxiety levels and the Morris Water Maze assessed learning and spatial memory. Results of this study showed that the combination of EE and Protandim decreased anxiety levels more effectively than Protandim alone, but was unable to demonstrate enhanced memory across treatment groups.
Advisor
Stavenezer, Amy Jo
Department
Neuroscience
Recommended Citation
Hsu, Alison, "The Effects of Environmental Enrichment and Antioxidant Supplementation on an Alzheimer’s Disease Rodent Model" (2020). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 9129.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/9129
Publication Date
2020
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2020 Alison Hsu