Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype affects age-related changes in plasticity in working memory: a pilot...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Genetics

Background:

• The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met gene influences dopamine metabolism in the prefrontal cortex.
• This genetic variation is linked to age-related working memory decline.
• Previous research in younger adults suggests COMT genotype effects on working memory are amplified by cognitive training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of COMT genotype on working memory plasticity in older adults.
• To compare plasticity between younger and older adults with different COMT genotypes.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 14 younger (24-30 years) and 25 older (60-75 years) healthy adults participated.
• Participants completed 12 sessions of adaptive n-back task training under increasing difficulty.
• COMT Val158Met genotype was assessed for all participants.

Main Results:

• Both age groups demonstrated significant working memory plasticity with training, though it was greater in younger adults.
• A significant interaction between age and COMT genotype was observed.
• Specifically, older adults with the Val/Val genotype exhibited reduced behavioral plasticity compared to other older adults, while genotype did not affect plasticity in younger adults.

Conclusions:

• Age-related changes in working memory plasticity are significantly influenced by genetic variations in prefrontal dopamine metabolism.
• The COMT Val158Met genotype plays a critical role in modulating the capacity for cognitive improvement in older adults.