Abstract: A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision.

Abstract: A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision.

Abstract: A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision.

Abstract: A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cognitive assessment and training of an animal subject. A subject is placed in a testing environment, such as a subject chamber of a cognitive assessment and training apparatus. At least one cognitive assessment and training session comprising a plurality of trials is performed. In a trial, a trial assembly is prepared at a first level. The trial assembly includes at least one stimuli and a reward, where a target stimuli of the at least one stimuli is associated with the reward. The subject is allowed access to the stimuli. When a correct response is determined from the subject, the subject is allowed to access a reward associated with the correct response. The subject is advanced to trials at a next level when a learning criterion is reached. At least one cognitive assessment score is generated based on the plurality of trials and the at least one cognitive assessment and training session.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein relate generally to a method for assessing cognitive function and measuring treatment efficacy. Assessing the efficacy of clinical treatments is important for development of new interventions, for example drugs, gene, protein or antibody therapies, as well as for monitoring patient responses to approved and prescribed therapies. It is feasible to use modified versions of tests developed for experimental animals, such as primates or canines, to evaluate cognition in humans. Because the tasks are non-verbal, individuals with severely limited cognitive abilities can be objectively evaluated. Inferences can be made about the human neuropathology because the neural substrates underlying the ability to perform these tasks in animals have been delineated.

Abstract: A method of treating behavioral problems, including those related to aging, and improving trainability in dogs is disclosed. The method involves administering phenserine, a phenserine analog, derivative or a metabolite thereof to a pet or service dog in need of such treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a novel approach for determining the palatability, or preference, of foods, food stuffs, or veterinary biologics in animals. This approach provides a robust and reliable means of assessing palatability in animals using a cognitive palatability assessment protocol. The basic protocol utilizes a discrimination learning procedure, in which animals are presented with three simultaneous stimuli, such as objects, odors, sounds, digital pictures or projections, etc., and are allowed to respond to one, although any number of stimuli may be employed. The response is then recorded including metadata such as the rate of learning, response rate and response order for example. Depending on the animal's choice, the response will typically result in the animal receiving no reward, or either of two particular foods, food stuffs or veterinary biologics.