T-maze, in which the correct execution is shown since the beginning
of the task. These differences in learning could be easily explained
by the type of spatial task. The T-maze requires a choice
between two arms, whereas, in the case of the other two tasks,
the allocentric and the egocentric task performed in the four-arm
radial maze, there are four possible choices. Therefore, the complexity
of the task is a factor that should be taken into account
and that could explain differences in the performance of spatial
tasks (Begega et al., 2001). This complexity has been associated
with the presence of intra-maze cues, the arousal level and training
distribution. All these factors exert an influence on the type of
strategy adopted during training (Botreau & Gisquet-Verrier,
2010). Processes of integration of information are affected by
aging. Aged individuals show greater difficulty to solve tasks where
it is necessary to combine different pieces of information for proper
execution (Goh, 2011). Therefore, in the case of the complex task
performed in the four-arm radial maze, this difficulty can affect the
rapid acquisition of the correct strategy. Such difficulties were not
found in the T-maze, where aged rats showed a correct execution
since the first day of learning.