GAIT SLOWING AMONG FRAIL OLDER ADULTS: IS HIGHER DOPAMINERGIC SIGNALING PROTECTIVE?

ABSTRACT: Abstract Strategies to reduce gait slowing in frail older adults are urgently needed. Higher dopaminergic (DA) signaling is emerging as a protecting factor against age-related gait slowing, in the absence of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). DA signaling is potentially modifiable, thereby offering promising novel strategies to reduce gait slowing. In 3,752 PD-free participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study (72.3 years, 81% white, 39% male), we measured gait speed (usual pace, 15 feet), frailty (Fried definition), and genetic polymorphism of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT, rs4680), an enzyme regulating tonic brain DA levels. Multivariable linear regression models of COMT predicting gait speed were adjusted for age, gender, BMI, ankle-arm index, vision, and arthritis. Strength, education, m

SUBMITTER: Rosano C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6845954 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature