Age-related differences in memory and in the memory effects of nootropic drugs.

In experiments of 2-, 5-, 10- and 22-month old rats, using active avoidance with punishment reinforcement (maze and shuttle-box) and passive avoidance (step-down), we found that acquisition and retention in aged rats were impaired significantly or only as a trend. The nootropics adafenoxate, meclofenoxate, citicholine, aniracetam and the standardized ginseng extract administered orally for 7 to 10 days usually facilitated learning and improved memory in the rats of all ages. By some of the indices used the drugs gave more pronounced favourable effects in old rats, while by others better effects were observed in young or adult rats. The results demonstrate significant age-related differences in learning and memory in rats and in the effects of nootropic drugs on these processes.