Handedness and the Brain: How Left- and Right-Handedness and DRD2 Taq1A Genotype Relate to Cognition Performance

Background: This study investigates the influence of handedness and the DRD2 Taq1A genotype in cognitive performance. Methodology: 189 healthy adults were assessed using MCCB including Trail Making Test, Symbol Coding, Working Memory and Maze. DNA been extracted from blood sample; PCR was conducted to identify the DRD2 Taq1A genotype. Data were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA to explore the differences in cognitive performance across handedness and genotype groups. Results: left-handed participants exhibited significantly better performance on the Symbol Coding (p =. 002), suggesting a potential advantage in tasks involving motor speed. No significant association was found between genotyping and handedness suggest that DRD2 Taq1A did not play major role in determining handedness. However, participants with the A2/A2 genotype scored higher on the Trail Making Test, propose a potential correlation of this genotype to cognitive performance. Conclusion: The study supports the notion that left-handers may have advantage in tasks required fine motor skills and rapid decision-making. While the DRD2 Taq1A genotype appears to have influence on cognitive abilities related to processing speed. These findings contribute to the understanding of how genetic and physiological factors influence cognitive abilities and highlight areas for future research, particularly in exploring the neural mechanisms underlying these associations.