| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Poster | | Title: Associations of dopamine-related genes with executive functioning in functionally normal older adults. | | Authors: Saloner R, Yokoyama JS, Coppola G, Karydas A, Fox E, You M, Kramer JH | | Date: 02-14-2018 | | Abstract:As hypothesized, we provide evidence that genetic variation related to
reductions in dopamine receptor density (DRD2) and potency (DRD4)
may negatively affect executive functioning in aging adults.
Contrary to expectations, DA gene variants (i.e., COMT and DRD4)
associated with enhanced DA bioavailability conferred neurocognitive
benefits, including memory, at younger ages, but were associated with
poorer performance as age increased.
These findings suggest that although increased dopaminergic activity
may support executive abilities (e.g., attention, working memory,
cognitive control) in middle age (40-65), genetically-driven hyperactivation
of DA pathways may increase error rates and exacerbate the
multi-domain neurocognitive decrements associated with age-related
fronto-striatal disruption. |
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