Cognitive and sensorimotor tasks for assessing functional impairments in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.

In the last couple of decades, substantial progress has been made in the development of transgenic mouse models developing amyloid-β deposits and/or neurofibrillary tangles. These mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders provide an excellent tool for investigating etiology, pathogenic mechanisms, and potential treatments. An essential component of their characterization is a detailed behavioral assessment, which clarifies the functional consequences of these pathologies. We have selected and refined a series of cognitive and sensorimotor tasks that are ideal for studying these models and the efficacy of various treatments.