Somatotype Characteristics of a Mendelian Population from North India and Its association with Cognitive Impairment and Depression

Abstract

The present article aims to understand the somatotype characteristics and its association with cognitive impairment (CI) and depression among 768 Jat men and women aged 30–80 years from an Mendelian population of north India. The somatotypes are evaluated using the Heath–Carter protocol. Cognition status is assessed through Mini-Mental State Examination scale, while the depression status is determined using Beck’s depression inventory questionnaire. Overall, the Jat population is found to be mesomorphic endomorph. A slight decrease in endomorphy and an increase in ectomorphy is observed with advancing age. Endomorphy is found to be more prevalent among individuals having CI and depression. In conclusion, as compared to other populations of India, the Jats of Haryana are more endomorphic and less mesomorphic. As the association of somatotypes with mental disabilities is still unclear, this issue needs further investigation. So, more population studies are necessary to elucidate their association.