Research
A closely related line of inquiry in the laboratory is intended to better\ndefine the specific nature of memory supported by the individual structures\ncomprising the hippocampal system. A central aspect of this project involves\nthe development of new behavioral assessment procedures for the monkey,\nemphasizing precisely those aspects of memory that are thought to critically\ndepend on intact hippocampal function. Utilizing these new tasks, studies\nin young monkeys have begun to examine the effects of selective damage to\nthe hippocampus and associated cortical areas in the medial temporal lobe.\nUltimately, the same procedures should provide valuable tools for establishing\na more complete neuropsychological account of cognitive aging in the monkey,\nand for the rational development of therapeutic strategies for treating cognitive disorders of aging.