Abstract
Objective: Elevated glucocorticoid levels are associated with dementia. A glucocorticoid receptor gene variant (ER22/23EK) is related to relative glucocorticoid resistance. We investigated whether the ER22/23EK allele is associated with dementia and structural brain abnormalities. Methods: This study was performed in two prospective population-based cohort studies among elderly. The first study included 6034 participants who were screened for dementia (mean follow-up 5.8 years). The second study included 1011 elderly subjects with an MRI at baseline and follow-up. The ER22/23EK allele was assessed for association with dementia, cognitive function and white matter lesions. Results: The ER22/23EK allele was associated with a decreased risk of dementia. Among non-demented participants, ER22/23EK-caniers had a better performance on psychomotor speed tests than non-carriers. No differences were found in memory function between genotypes. In addition, both presence and progression of white matter lesions was lower in ER22/23EK-carriers. No association was found with brain atrophy on MRI. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a protective effect of the ER22/23EK allele on the risk of dementia and white matter lesions. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Original language | Undefined/Unknown |
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Pages (from-to) | 716-723 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Neurobiology of Aging |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Research programs
- EMC MM-01-39-01
- EMC MM-01-39-02
- EMC MM-01-39-04
- EMC NIHES-01-64-01