Abstract
We studied the relationship among dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) Taq I genetic polymorphism, caudate nucleus volumetry as measured using MRI and neuropsychological functions in 49 memory impaired older people. Compared with DRD2 A1 carriers, subjects homozygous for the DRD2 A2 allele performed poorer in a measure of general cognitive functioning (MMSE) and in long term verbal memory, and presented reduced left caudate nucleus volumes. Caudate nucleus atrophy correlated with cognitive measures influenced by the genetic polymorphism and with visual memory performance. Our findings suggest that among the aged with cognitive impairments, the homozygous status for the A2 allele of the DRD2 Taq I polymorphism is associated with diminished cognitive performance and increased atrophy in the striatum.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Age Factors
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Aged
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Caudate Nucleus / metabolism*
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Caudate Nucleus / pathology*
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Caudate Nucleus / physiopathology
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Cognition Disorders / genetics*
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Cognition Disorders / pathology
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Cognition Disorders / psychology
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Dopamine / metabolism*
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Educational Status
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Female
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Functional Laterality / genetics
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Gene Frequency
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Humans
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Intelligence
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Male
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Memory Disorders / genetics*
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Memory Disorders / pathology
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Memory Disorders / psychology
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Middle Aged
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Neurons / metabolism*
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Neurons / pathology
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Neuropsychological Tests
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Polymorphism, Genetic / genetics*
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Receptors, Dopamine D2 / deficiency
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Receptors, Dopamine D2 / genetics*
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Sex Factors
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Taq Polymerase / genetics*
Substances
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Receptors, Dopamine D2
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Taq Polymerase
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Dopamine