The gene Per1 is needed in the memory-related brain area, but not the main body clock, for incidental learning in young and old male mice

Expression of the clock gene Period1 in the retrosplenial cortex is necessary for incidental learning.

• Aging may disrupt the expression of Period1 in the retrosplenial cortex, which is associated with cognitive decline.
• Circadian rhythms can influence memory performance, suggesting a link between these two processes.
• The disruption of clock gene expression occurs in a brain region-dependent manner, potentially affecting memory differently in various areas.
• Findings indicate that clock genes have roles beyond regulating circadian rhythms, particularly in relation to learning and memory.

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