Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Linking cognitive aging to alterations in dopamine neurotransmitter functioning: recent data and future avenues
Lars Bäckman1, Ulman Lindenberger, Shu-Chen Li
1Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute, Gävlegatan 16, 113 30 Stockholm, Sweden. lars.backman.1@ki.se
Dopamine (DA) levels impact cognitive functions like executive function and memory across all ages. This review explores how DA influences cognitive variability and age-related changes, guiding future research on aging and cognition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Aging Research
Background:
- Molecular imaging studies investigate dopaminergic neurotransmission using biomarkers like dopamine transporters and D1/D2 receptors.
- Individual differences in dopamine function correlate with cognitive performance, independent of age.
- Dopamine pathways significantly mediate age-related declines in executive functioning, episodic memory, and perceptual speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the relationship between dopamine and cognition, particularly concerning aging.
- To highlight novel evidence on dopamine's role in cognitive variability and age-related cognitive changes.
- To identify future research directions in the fields of aging, dopamine, and cognition.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent molecular imaging studies on dopaminergic neurotransmission.
- Analysis of findings related to dopamine's role in within-person cognitive variability.
- Examination of age-related differences in dopamine release during cognitive tasks and after cognitive training.
- Investigation of the link between dopamine and task-induced functional brain activity.
Main Results:
- Dopamine (DA) function is linked to cognitive performance and mediates age-related cognitive decline.
- Novel evidence explores DA's role in cognitive variability and age-related differences in DA release.
- Cognitive training impacts DA release differently in younger and older adults.
- DA levels correlate with task-induced functional brain activity.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine plays a crucial role in cognitive functions and their age-related trajectories.
- Understanding dopamine's influence on cognition is key to addressing cognitive aging.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions between aging, dopamine, and cognitive processes.
More Related Videos
05:14Standardized Data Acquisition for Neuromelanin-Sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Substantia Nigra
Published on: September 8, 2021
11:26Assessment of Dopaminergic Homeostasis in Mice by Use of High-performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis and Synaptosomal Dopamine Uptake
Published on: September 21, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Dementia l: Introduction
Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is critical for...