Factor Analysis of Attention in Young and Aged Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Tanaka Shoji, Young Jared W, Gresack Jodi E, Geyer Mark A, Risbrough Victoria B
Primary Institution: Department of Information & Communication Sciences, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA
Hypothesis
The latent structure of cognitive performance would reflect functional localization in the brain and would be altered by aging.
Conclusion
Aged mice utilize neuronal networks more broadly for specific cognitive functions compared to young mice.
Supporting Evidence
- The factor analysis extracted two- and three-factor models.
- In young mice, performance factors were clearly separated, while in aged mice, the separation was less clear.
- Aged mice exhibited significantly longer mean correct latencies during the EDS stage.
Takeaway
This study looked at how young and old mice perform on a task that tests their attention. It found that older mice are less focused and use different brain strategies.
Methodology
Young and aged mice performed an attentional set-shifting task, and their performance data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis.
Limitations
The sample size was small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Young (4 months, n = 16) and aged (23 months, n = 18) male C57BL/6N mice.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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