Cross-Species Framework for Emotional Well-Being and Brain Aging

Importance Emotional well-being (EWB) is an emerging therapeutic target for managing and preventing symptoms associated with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, more research is needed to establish causal inferences between brain changes, EWB, and behavioral changes observed in typical aging and ADRD. Observations This article presents a framework for using a cross-species behavioral neuroscience approach to study EWB and brain aging, adopting a well-established biobehavioral model that highlights the reciprocal roles of brain changes, EWB, and ADRD symptoms. First, the challenges and opportunities in this field are reviewed. Then, a practical solution to improve comparability between animal and human studies is proposed. Conclusions and Relevance The goal is to draw comprehensive parallels and distinctions that could enhance the understanding of the mechanisms linking brain aging, EWB, and ADRD symptomatic disturbances across different species.