Differential effects of α7 nicotinic receptor agonist PHA-543613 on spatial memory performance of rats in two distinct pharmacological dementia models.

•Transient memory impairment was tested in rats in the T-maze alternation paradigm.•PHA-543613 treatment completely reversed scopolamine induced transient amnesia.•Lower but not higher dose of PHA-543613 attenuated MK-801 induced amnestic effects.•Targeting α7 receptors reverse symptoms of dementia when NMDA transmission is intact.•The efficacy of cognitive enhancers may depend on the primary cause of dementia.