Project Number: 1950-51000-063-18
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jun 01, 2008
End Date: Jul 31, 2009

Objective:
Phase I Objective 1: (a) Establish the effects of dietary berryfruit extracts and the most effective component polyphenolics on neuronal function in aging by determining the effects on motor and cognitive behaviors as a function of age. Phase II To be funded only if Phase I is deemed successful (b) Identify brain regional localization of berryfruit compounds and correlating the amounts seen with the behavioral performance, and (c) Determine their effects on signaling and the generation of new neurons in aging.

Approach:
Phase I Aim 1: Determine the effects of RB supplementation on behavioral aging using paradigms sensitive to cognitive (short- and long-term memories) behaviors. The effects of RB dietary supplementation (2% RB extract in the diet for 8 weeks as described below). After 8 weeks performance will be examined in the rats age-sensitive cognitive behaviors that are selective for reference and working memories. The latter behaviors will be assessed using the Morris water maze and the radial arm water maze, as well as novelty tests. All of these tests have been validated as being age sensitive (e.g. demonstrated a significant decline as a function of age).