NIGROSTRIATAL DOPAMINE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE FATIGABILITY IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
2024

Dopamine and Physical Performance in Older Adults

Sample size: 125 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Rosano Caterina, Gay Emma, Coen Paul, Rosso Andrea, Newman Anne, Kritchevsky Stephen, Glynn Nancy

Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Hypothesis

Higher nigrostriatal dopaminergic integrity would be associated with lower performance fatigability in community-dwelling older adults.

Conclusion

Higher dopamine integrity in the posterior putamen is linked to lower performance fatigability in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Higher dopamine integrity in the posterior putamen is significantly associated with lower performance fatigability.
  • Results remained significant after adjusting for demographics, cognition, and other factors.

Takeaway

Older people with better dopamine function in a specific brain area can walk longer without getting tired.

Methodology

Performance fatigability was measured during a fast-paced 400 meter walk, and dopamine integrity was assessed using PET imaging.

Participant Demographics

Mean age 75.4 years, 59% women.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI:-2.11, -0.25

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0238

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