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COMT genotype and cognitive function: an 8-year longitudinal study in white and black elders.
A J Fiocco1, K Lindquist, R Ferrell
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. afiocco@klaru-baycrest.on.ca
Neurology
|April 21, 2010
Summary
The Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val(158)met genotype influences cognitive decline in older adults. The Val allele appears to offer protection against age-related cognitive changes, particularly in white individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive function in aging is crucial.
- Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme activity impacts dopamine levels.
- The COMT val(158)met polymorphism's role in cognitive aging requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prospective association between COMT val(158)met genotype and cognitive function in an elderly, biracial cohort.
- To investigate how COMT genotype interacts with race, gender, and APOE status concerning cognitive trajectories.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 2,858 non-demented elderly individuals over 8 years.
- Cognitive function assessed using Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) at multiple time points.
- Statistical analyses included repeated-measures mixed-effects models, stratified by race, with interaction analyses.
Main Results:
- No significant association between COMT genotype and baseline cognition was found in either black or white participants.
- In white subjects, COMT genotype was associated with cognitive changes in 3MS and DSST scores over time.
- In black subjects, COMT genotype showed an association with changes in DSST scores.
Conclusions:
- The COMT val(158)met genotype influences cognitive decline in late life.
- The Val allele of the COMT gene may confer a protective effect against cognitive decline in older adults.
- Findings highlight the gene-environment interaction in cognitive aging, with racial differences observed.
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