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Androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism is associated with cognitive function in older men.

Kristine Yaffe·Emily R Edwards·Li-Yung Lui·Joseph M Zmuda·Robert E Ferrell·Jane A Cauley
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Androgen receptors are located throughout the brain, especially in regions involved with learning and memory. Different lengths of a CAG (glutamine) repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the androgen receptor gene may influence androgen action, with longer repeat lengths conferring decreased androgen sensitivity. METHODS: We sought to determine if this CAG polymorphism was associated with cognition in older men. RESULTS: Among 301 community-dwelling white men (mean age, 73.0 +/- 7.1), greater CAG repeat length was associated with lower scores on three cognitive tests (p <.05 for all). In addition, 12 participants (9.8%) had cognitive impairment in the low tertile of CAG repeat length whereas 29 (16.3%) had cognitive impairment in the two higher tertiles (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% confidence interval =.9-3.7). CONCLUSIONS: Research should be directed at identifying the mechanism for this association and to determine if treatment with testosterone prevents cognitive decline.

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AgedAged, 80 and overCognition DisordersCohort StudiesHumansMalePolymorphism, GeneticReceptors, AndrogenTrinucleotide RepeatsJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

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Kristine Yaffe, Emily R Edwards, Li-Yung Lui, Joseph M Zmuda, Robert E Ferrell, Jane A Cauley. 2003-11-01. Androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism is associated with cognitive function in older men.. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(03)00115-x

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