Neodymium Magnet in Memory Retrieval: The Effects of High-Static Magnetic Exposure in Enhancing Spatial Learning and Working Memory in Albino Rats (Rattus norvecigus)

Abstract

In cognitive psychology and neuroscience, recording information about one’s environment and its spatial orientation relies on the spatial memory, governed by the hippocampus (a medial temporal lobe structure). Various studies demonstrated stimulation of neural activity using strong magnetic fields. Neodymium (NdFeB) magnets can emit a static magnetic field suitable for magnetic therapies. This study determined the effects of non-invasive magnetic exposure in enhancing spatial memory retrieval and working memory of albino rats using Neodymium magnet with grades of N38, N42 and N48. The effects of Neodymium magnets on the samples’ cognitive processes were measured using Morris Water Maze (retrieval of spatial memory) and T-maze (working memory). Thirty-two 12-weeks old male albino rats were used for the experimentation wherein eight were selected for each group (control, N38, N42 and N48). The exposure was directed to the temporal lobe with a headphone-like apparatus. Exposure to Neodymium magnet resulted in significantly lower average escape latency in the MWM (declining each trial) when compared to not using a magnet (p=.000). For T-maze, exposure to Neodymium magnet has resulted insignificantly greater average scores of the rats compared to the absence of the magnet (p=.000). However, applying to both protocols, comparison among the magnet groups resulted in p-values greater than 0.008 (adjusted p tabular value), implying no significant difference. Accordingly, varying grades (N38, N42 and N48) of Neodymium magnet are relatively equal in effectiveness in enhancing retrieval of spatial memory and working memory, with effectiveness directly proportional to exposure duration.