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Vascular and dopaminergic contributors to mild parkinsonian signs in older adults

Andrea L Rosso1, Nicolaas I Bohnen2, Lenore J Launer2

  • 1From the Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health (A.L.R., C.R.), and Department of Psychiatry (H.J.A.), University of Pittsburgh, PA; Departments of Radiology and Neurology (N.I.B.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Laboratory of Epidemiology and Population Sciences (L.J.L.), National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD; and Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Epidemiology & Biostatistics (K.Y.), University of California, San Francisco. alr143@pitt.edu.

Neurology
|December 17, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild parkinsonian signs in older adults are linked to white matter hyperintensities, indicating vascular issues. The COMT genotype influences this relationship, suggesting a complex interplay between vascular and dopaminergic factors.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mild parkinsonian signs (MPS) are a common yet understudied condition in the elderly.
  • Understanding the underlying factors of MPS is crucial for early intervention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MPS and markers of dopaminergic (COMT genotype) and vascular (white matter hyperintensities - WMH) health in older adults.
  • To explore potential interactions between these factors in the manifestation of MPS.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of older adults (mean age 82.6 years).
  • Assessment of WMH volume and COMT Val158Met genotype.
  • Regression models adjusted for demographic and health characteristics were used to determine associations and interactions.

Main Results:

  • MPS was present in 42.3% of the sample.
  • White matter hyperintensities (WMH) showed a significant association with MPS (OR 1.16, CI 1.05-1.27).
  • The COMT genotype was not directly associated with MPS, but a significant interaction (p=0.03) was observed, particularly among COMT Val carriers.

Conclusions:

  • WMH have a direct relationship with MPS, suggesting a vascular origin.
  • The COMT genotype modulates the effect of WMH on MPS, indicating a compensatory role of the dopaminergic system.
  • Both vascular and dopaminergic factors are important in the manifestation of MPS in older adults.

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