Introduction

Excerpt

Animal models of cognitive impairment are critically important for determining the neural bases of learning, memory, and attention. These cognitive functions are the result of complex interactions of a variety of neural systems and thus cannot be well studied by simple in vitro models. Animal models of cognitive impairment are critical for determining the neural basis of cognitive function as well as for testing the efficacy of potential therapeutic drugs and the neurocognitive toxicity of environmental contaminants and drugs of abuse. A variety of models have used classic monkey, rat, and mouse models. Newer, nonmammalian complementary models with fish, flies, and flatworms are being developed. These will play an important role in both high-throughput screening of potential toxic or therapeutic compounds and in the determination of the neuromolecular bases of cognitive function.