Longitudinal change in memory performance associated with HTR2A polymorphism

We present a fresh approach to evaluating association with candidate genes and cognitive change by testing association for parameters describing individual growth curves from twins. Moderate genetic influences on memory in aging adults has been shown in quantitative genetic studies. A recently reported, association of a HTR2A polymorphism with episodic memory in young unrelated adults led us to investigate the association between a nearby polymorphism and longitudinal memory performance in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA). Analysis of growth curve parameters suggests that both how well individuals perform on figural memory at age 65 years and nonlinear change in figural memory performance across age are associated with HTR2A. Individuals with two copies of the common G allele demonstrated higher figural memory performance longitudinally than those with the less frequent A allele, with performance trajectories differing by 2–6% per year. These findings imply a role for the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor on the formation of episodic memories in older adults.