THE CONTRIBUTION OF NIGROSTRIATAL DOPAMINERGIC TRANSMISSION ON APATHY IN OLDER ADULTS
2024
Dopamine and Apathy in Older Adults
Sample size: 230
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Song Yixiao, Cawthon Peggy, Butters Meryl, Chahine Lana, Rosano Caterina
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Hypothesis
This study explores the link between apathy and nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurotransmission in community-dwelling older adults without overt neurological symptoms.
Conclusion
The study highlights an inverse relationship between apathy and dopaminergic neurotransmission in older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- The study involved community-dwelling older adults without neurological diseases.
- Apathy was measured using a validated 18-item questionnaire.
- Three latent classes of apathy were identified based on the questionnaire results.
- Dopaminergic transmission was quantified using PET imaging.
Takeaway
Older people who have less dopamine in their brains tend to feel more apathetic or uninterested in things.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study using PET imaging to quantify dopamine binding and an 18-item questionnaire to assess apathy.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 75.3 years; 60% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.028
Confidence Interval
0.39-0.95
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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