The Current Utilization of Cognitive Tests in the Research of Radiation-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Rodent Models

Whole brain irradiation using low LET rays has remained the mainstay to treat some primary and metastatic brain tumors. Radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction is a progressive and irreversible late side effect after whole brain irradiation and inevitably decreases the quality of life of cancer survivors. To address this negative issue, many studies have been performed to explore the mechanisms of radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction and to develop efficacious preventive and treating measures. The prerequisite and foundation of implementing a persuasive and profound study to investigate radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction is the utilization of widely acknowledged animal models and universally applied cognitive tests. In this review, articles studying radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction from 2011 to 2016 were collected. The establishment of animal models and detailed utilization of cognitive tests were analyzed and summarized. This review summarized the general range of irradiation doses and time intervals utilized and the effects of these two factors on the results of cognitive tests.