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Abstract
Studies in humans and animals show that dopaminergic neuromodulation originating from
the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area (SN/VTA) of the midbrain enhances hippocampal
synaptic plasticity for novel events and has a motivationally energizing effect on
actions through striatal mechanisms. In this review, we discuss how these mechanisms
of dopaminergic neuromodulation connect to the behavioural and functional consequences
that age-related structural degeneration of the SN/VTA exerts on declarative memory.
We propose a framework called 'NOvelty-related Motivation of Anticipation and exploration
by Dopamine' (NOMAD) which captures existing links between novelty, dopamine, long-term
memory, plasticity, energization and their relation to aging. We propose that maximizing
the use of this mechanism by maintaining mobility and exploration of novel environments
could be a potential mechanism to slow age-related decline of memory.
Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.