Topic: cholinergic system

The cholinergic system has been associated with learning, but also with cognitive decline in dementia, aging and injury. Yet, to date, no computational models have been put forward to explain how the cholinergic system contributes to both learning and cognitive decline. Here we introduce a model that combines a recently proposed model of cortex-wide credit assignment with a cholinergic adaptive module based on adaptive deep learning rules. According to this model, the cholinergic system opens a cortex-wide gate for learning, but its end effect is controlled by local adaptive processes. Using a

The cholinergic system has been associated with learning, but also with cognitive decline in dementia and aging. Yet, to date no computational models have been put forward to explain how the cholinergic system contributes to both learning and cognitive decline. Here we introduce a model that combines a recently proposed biologically plausible model of credit assignment with a cholinergic adaptive module based on adaptive deep learning rules. Using a multi-class perceptual discrimination task we show that cholinergic adaptive learning leads to rapid learning when compared with non-adaptive mode

Early-life experiences profoundly influence neurocognitive development, significantly shaping a child’s academic performance, behavior, and overall quality of life. Environmental factors, including exposure to neurotoxicants such as manganese, can devastate the nervous system, with the developing nervous system being especially more susceptible to neurotoxicity. Walnuts are interesting in that they contain potent bioactive micro- and macronutrients, such as ω-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, melatonin, vitamin E, selenium, and ɣ-tocopherol, all of which play an essential role in brain health. Previo

The extracellular matrix protein reelin, named after the reeler-mutant mouse, exerts a multitude of key functions in both the developing and adult brains of mammals. In addition to the well-studied effect of reelin on the migration of neuronal cells during embryonic development, several studies have demonstrated an effect of reelin on neuronal signaling in the mature brain. By modulating both excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic neuronal signaling, reelin affects central neurophysiological processes such as learning and memory formation. We aim to further investigate reelin-induce

Progression of Alzheimer’s disease is accompanied by the dysfunction of the cholinergic system and massive loss of cholinergic neurons containing the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). NAChR agonists protect neuronal cells against amyloid toxicity, eliminate the senile plaques, and improve learning and memory of transgenic mice. Moreover, nAChRs antagonists, that block the binding of Abeta to the receptor, inhibit Abeta-induced tau protein phosphorylation in neuronal cells. It means that the toxicity of Aβ is mediated through a direct interaction between Abeta and nAChRs. The most abun