ArticleMolecular psychiatry2026
Aging reduces motivation through decreased Bdnf expression in the ventral tegmental area.
Article in Molecular psychiatry, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Intervening in aging and related diseases with gene therapy techniques.Cell reports. Medicine · 2026Review
- Why Do Humans Exercise? A Neuro-Evolutionary Framework for Discretionary Physical Effort.Evolutionary anthropology · 2026Review
- Neuroprotective and Disease-Modifying Effects of the Triazinetrione ACD856, a Positive Allosteric Modulator of Trk-Receptors for the Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease.International journal of molecular sciences · 2023Article
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Abstract
Age-associated reduced motivation is a hallmark of neuropsychiatric disorders in the elderly. In our rapidly aging societies, it is critical to keep motivation levels high enough to promote healthspan and lifespan. However, how motivation is reduced during aging remains unknown. Here, we used multiple mouse models to evaluate motivation and related affective states in young and old mice. We also compared the effect of social isolation, a common stressor in aged populations, to those of aging. We found that both social isolation and aging decreased motivation in mice, but that Bdnf expression in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) was selectively decreased during aging. Furthermore, VTA-specific Bdnf knockdown in young mice recapitulated reduced motivation observed in old mice. These results demonstrate that maintaining Bdnf expression in the VTA could promote motivation to engage in effortful activities and potentially prevent age-associated neuropsychiatric disorders.
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