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Updated: Sep 25, 2025
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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
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Dopamine-related polymorphisms and Affective Working Memory in aging.
Beth Fairfield1, Caterina Padulo2, Nicola Mammarella2
1Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy; University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|April 26, 2022
Summary
Dopamine (DA) gene variants and cognitive scores predict affective working memory. Performance was enhanced for positive words in short memory strings, showing a general affective benefit for longer strings, independent of genotype.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychology
Background:
- Dopamine (DA) is crucial for executive functions, and its system dysfunction impairs working memory.
- Genetic variations in the DA system can influence working memory performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a predictive model for affective working memory.
- To investigate how genetic variants in dopamine receptors (D1, D2) and COMT influence affective working memory encoding.
Main Methods:
- Examined 155 older adults, analyzing genotype variants (DRD2, DRD1, COMT).
- Utilized Mini-Mental State Exam and Geriatric Depression Scale scores.
- Assessed affective working memory performance based on word valence and string length.
Main Results:
- Genotype variants, cognitive scores (MMSE, GDS) significantly predicted affective working memory.
- Participants recalled positive words better than negative/neutral words in short strings (3-4 words).
- Longer strings (5-6 words) showed a general affective enhancement, irrespective of genotype.
Conclusions:
- Affective working memory is influenced by a combination of genetic and cognitive factors.
- Specific dopaminergic gene variants did not uniquely alter affective working memory performance in this cohort.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay of dopamine system genetics and cognitive function in memory processing.
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