Behavioral Validation in Animal Models of Dementia

The development of complex disease models requires the parallel development or optimization of valid behavioral paradigms assessing complex brain-behavior relations. Besides validity of the applied paradigm, standardization at the level of experimental animals, testing procedures, and surroundings is essential to generate reliable data. High levels of validity and standardization can be reached only by skilled and experienced researchers. This chapter summarizes the most frequently used cognitive and behavioral paradigms in the phenotyping of rodent models of dementia.