Protocol for three alternative paradigms to test spatial learning and memory in mice

Here, we describe three alternative paradigms to overcome the limitations of the most widely used spatial learning paradigm for rodents: the Morris water maze. We outline the preparation of behavioral testing rooms and mouse handling/habituation prior to testing. We then detail three spatial learning and memory tasks: the Barnes maze, active place avoidance, and novel object location tasks. These tests have been successfully used across multiple ages (from 2 to 24 months) in both wild-type and transgenic animals.