Implementation of automated cognitive testing systems for socially housed rhesus (Macaca mulatta) and squirrel (Saimiri spp.) monkeys: Age differences in learning.

Utilizing Automated Cognitive Testing Systems (ACTS) with group-housed nonhuman primates offers a number of advantages over manual testing and computerized testing of singly housed subjects. To date, ACTS usage has been limited to great apes or African monkeys. Here, we detail what we have learned while implementing ACTS with socially housed squirrel monkeys and rhesus macaques and provide information about the training process. In addition, we examined the effects of age on learning acquisition. We found age differences in learning for both squirrel monkeys and rhesus monkeys. Older monkeys were not as proficient as younger monkeys on learning to use the touch screens (squirrel monkeys only), discrimination learning (rhesus monkeys only; note: squirrel monkeys were not trained to criterion on this task), and recognition learning (both species). Overall, ACTS provide a number of advantages for studying cognition in socially living nonhuman primates and can be used to further investigate cognitive decline whether related to natural aging processes or disease pathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).