Abstract
Decision-making is considered an important aspect of cognitive function. Impaired decision-making is a consequence of cognitive decline caused by various physiological conditions, such as aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we exploited the value-based feeding decision (VBFD) assay, which is a simple sensory–motor task, to determine the cognitive status of Drosophila. Our results indicated the deterioration of VBFD is notably correlated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Restriction of the mushroom body (MB) neuronal activity partly blunted the proper VBFD. Furthermore, using the Drosophila polyQ disease model, we demonstrated the impaired VBFD is ameliorated by the dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC-1), a novel and steady nitric oxide (NO)-releasing compound. Therefore we propose that the VBFD assay provides a robust assessment of Drosophila cognition and can be used to characterize additional neuroprotective interventions.
Highlights
Decision-making is the act of choosing between available options in facing a need or a problem
Our results indicated the efficacy of valuebased feeding decision (VBFD) is susceptible to the chronological ages, alterations of life expectancy, and neurodegenerative disorders
Making such VBFD relies on the proper function of central brain mechanisms, which may represent a unique spectrum of cognitive processes
Summary
Decision-making is the act of choosing between available options in facing a need or a problem. The process of decision-making usually involves several steps, including the identification of a need and its potential options, evaluation of options, decisionmaking and acting, and a review of the decision that may assist the prospective decision-making when a similar need/ problem is encountered. The underlying process and neural circuits of decision-making are currently topics of intense study. A common experimental paradigm for elucidating neural decision-making in mammals is the two-alternative forced choice task (2AFC). Two alternative options are concurrently presented to the test subject. The test subject has to choose between two alternatives. Distinct features of the two alternatives and creative experimental designs have been exploited to study the specific behavior dynamics of choice under different physiological conditions and, most importantly, the involved neural elements
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