Caudate nucleus volumes and genetic determinants of homocysteine metabolism in the prediction of psychomotor speed in older persons with depression

Am J Psychiatry. 2002 Dec;159(12):2096-8. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.159.12.2096.

Abstract

Objective: The authors sought to determine whether caudate nucleus volumes or specific genotypes predict psychomotor slowing in older persons with depression.

Method: Forty-seven persons with depression (mean age=51.8 years, SD=12.4) and 20 healthy volunteers (mean age=56.1 years, SD=9.8) underwent clinical assessments, a neuropsychological test of psychomotor speed (part A of the Trail Making Test), high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scans, and genotyping for the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele and a mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme.

Results: Multivariate analyses revealed that psychomotor speed was uniquely predicted by age, a diagnosis of depression, right caudate nucleus volume, and mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme.

Conclusions: Psychomotor slowing, a key clinical and cognitive phenomenon in older persons with depression, is predicted by reduced caudate nucleus volumes and genetic determinants of homocysteine metabolism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Apolipoproteins E / metabolism
  • Caudate Nucleus / anatomy & histology*
  • Caudate Nucleus / enzymology
  • Caudate Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / genetics*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / metabolism
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Homocysteine / genetics*
  • Homocysteine / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors / metabolism
  • Psychomotor Disorders / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Homocysteine
  • Oxidoreductases Acting on CH-NH Group Donors
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)