Agnès Lacreuse

Associate Professor

Our lab studies neurocognitive aging in nonhuman primate models, in the context of typical and pathological aging as well as menopause.

Current Research
The marmoset is a small nonhuman primate that is increasingly used in neuroscience research due to its close resemblance to humans in many aspects of physiology, brain organization and behavior. Due to a short lifespan of about 12 years, the marmoset is uniquely suited for aging studies. Three main projects focusing on marmoset neurocognitive aging are ongoing (1) A longitudinal study seeks to identify the biological correlates of sex differences in cognitive and brain aging, using behavioral, physiological, neuroimaging and neurohistological techniques; (2) In a second project, we are developing a marmoset model for menopausal symptoms in order to understand potential interactions between cognitive deficits, sleep disturbances and thermoregulation impairments that are associated with estrogen loss; (3) Recent studies examine the aged marmoset as a model for preclinical Alzheimer's disease, in order to identify behavioral predictors of neuropathology.

Academic Background

PhD Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France,1994
Postdoctoral Training: University of Georgia, 1995; Emory University, 1997
Postdoctoral Training: Yerkes Natl Primate Res Ctr, Emory University, 1997-2002
Res Assistant Professor, Yerkes Natl Primate Res Ctr, Emory University 2002-2006
Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts, 2006-2012
Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts, 2012-present

Selected Publications

LaClair, MG, Febo, M., Nephew, B., Gervais, N.J, Poirier, G., Workman, K.P., Chumachenko, S., Payne, L., Moore, M.C., King, J.A. & Lacreuse, A. (2019). Sex differences in cognitive flexibility and resting brain networks in middle-aged marmosets. eNEURO.

Gervais, N.J., Remage-Healey, L., Starrett, J.R., Pollak, D. J., Mong, J.A. & Lacreuse, A. Adverse effects of aromatase inhibition on the brain and behavior in a nonhuman primate (2019). Journal of Neuroscience, 39, 918-928.

Workman, K., Carlotto, A. Healey, B. & Lacreuse, A. (2019). One year change in cognitive function and fine motor function in aging marmosets. American Journal of Primatology, 81(2), e22924.

Lacreuse, A., Moore, C.M., LaClair, M., Payne, L. & King, J.A. (2018). Glutamate/glutamine concentration in the prefrontal cortex predicts reversal learning performance in the marmoset. Behavioural Brain Research, 346, 11-15.

Gervais, N. J., Mong, J.A. & Lacreuse, A. (2017). Ovarian hormones, sleep and cognition across the lifespan in females: an integrated perspective. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, 47, 134-153 (invited)

Gervais, N., Viechweg, S. Mong, J. A. & Lacreuse, A. (2016). The middle-aged ovariectomized marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) as a model for menopausal symptoms: preliminary evidence. Neuroscience, 337, 1-8

LaClair, MG. & Lacreuse, A. (2016). Reversal learning in gonadectomized marmosets with and without hormone replacement: Are males more sensitive to punishment? Animal Cognition, 19, 619-630.

Lacreuse, A., Mong, J.A. & Hara, Y. (2015). Neurocognitive effects of estrogens across the adult lifespan in nonhuman primates: state of knowledge and new perspectives. Hormones and Behavior (invited review), 74, 157-166.

Agnès Lacreuse

Institute for Applied Life Sciences