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Qin X, Karlsson IK, Wang Y, Li X, Pedersen N, Reynolds CA, Hägg S. The epigenetic etiology of cardiovascular disease in a longitudinal Swedish twin study. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:129. [PMID: 34167563 PMCID: PMC8223329 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01113-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies on DNA methylation have the potential to discover mechanisms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the role of DNA methylation in CVD etiology remains unclear. RESULTS We performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) on CVD in a longitudinal sample of Swedish twins (535 individuals). We selected CpGs reaching the Bonferroni-corrected significance level (2 [Formula: see text] 10-7) or the top-ranked 20 CpGs with the lowest P values if they did not reach this significance level in EWAS analysis associated with non-stroke CVD, overall stroke, and ischemic stroke, respectively. We further applied a bivariate autoregressive latent trajectory model with structured residuals (ALT-SR) to evaluate the cross-lagged effect between DNA methylation of these CpGs and cardiometabolic traits (blood lipids, blood pressure, and body mass index). Furthermore, mediation analysis was performed to evaluate whether the cross-lagged effects had causal impacts on CVD. In the EWAS models, none of the CpGs we selected reached the Bonferroni-corrected significance level. The ALT-SR model showed that DNA methylation levels were more likely to predict the subsequent level of cardiometabolic traits rather than the other way around (numbers of significant cross-lagged paths of methylation → trait/trait → methylation were 84/4, 45/6, 66/1 for the identified three CpG sets, respectively). Finally, we demonstrated significant indirect effects from DNA methylation on CVD mediated by cardiometabolic traits. CONCLUSIONS We present evidence for a directional association from DNA methylation on cardiometabolic traits and CVD, rather than the opposite, highlighting the role of epigenetics in CVD development.
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de Rojas I, Moreno-Grau S, Tesi N, Grenier-Boley B, Andrade V, Jansen IE, Pedersen NL, Stringa N, Zettergren A, Hernández I, Montrreal L, Antúnez C, Antonell A, Tankard RM, Bis JC, Sims R, Bellenguez C, Quintela I, González-Perez A, Calero M, Franco-Macías E, Macías J, Blesa R, Cervera-Carles L, Menéndez-González M, Frank-García A, Royo JL, Moreno F, Huerto Vilas R, Baquero M, Diez-Fairen M, Lage C, García-Madrona S, García-González P, Alarcón-Martín E, Valero S, Sotolongo-Grau O, Ullgren A, Naj AC, Lemstra AW, Benaque A, Pérez-Cordón A, Benussi A, Rábano A, Padovani A, Squassina A, de Mendonça A, Arias Pastor A, Kok AAL, Meggy A, Pastor AB, Espinosa A, Corma-Gómez A, Martín Montes A, Sanabria Á, DeStefano AL, Schneider A, Haapasalo A, Kinhult Ståhlbom A, Tybjærg-Hansen A, Hartmann AM, Spottke A, Corbatón-Anchuelo A, Rongve A, Borroni B, Arosio B, Nacmias B, Nordestgaard BG, Kunkle BW, Charbonnier C, Abdelnour C, Masullo C, Martínez Rodríguez C, Muñoz-Fernandez C, Dufouil C, Graff C, Ferreira CB, Chillotti C, Reynolds CA, Fenoglio C, Van Broeckhoven C, Clark C, Pisanu C, Satizabal CL, Holmes C, Buiza-Rueda D, Aarsland D, Rujescu D, Alcolea D, Galimberti D, Wallon D, Seripa D, Grünblatt E, Dardiotis E, Düzel E, Scarpini E, Conti E, Rubino E, Gelpi E, Rodriguez-Rodriguez E, Duron E, Boerwinkle E, Ferri E, Tagliavini F, Küçükali F, Pasquier F, Sanchez-Garcia F, Mangialasche F, Jessen F, Nicolas G, Selbæk G, Ortega G, Chêne G, Hadjigeorgiou G, Rossi G, Spalletta G, Giaccone G, Grande G, Binetti G, Papenberg G, Hampel H, Bailly H, Zetterberg H, Soininen H, Karlsson IK, Alvarez I, Appollonio I, Giegling I, Skoog I, Saltvedt I, Rainero I, Rosas Allende I, Hort J, Diehl-Schmid J, Van Dongen J, Vidal JS, Lehtisalo J, Wiltfang J, Thomassen JQ, Kornhuber J, Haines JL, Vogelgsang J, Pineda JA, Fortea J, Popp J, Deckert J, Buerger K, Morgan K, Fließbach K, Sleegers K, Molina-Porcel L, Kilander L, Weinhold L, Farrer LA, Wang LS, Kleineidam L, Farotti L, Parnetti L, Tremolizzo L, Hausner L, Benussi L, Froelich L, Ikram MA, Deniz-Naranjo MC, Tsolaki M, Rosende-Roca M, Löwenmark M, Hulsman M, Spallazzi M, Pericak-Vance MA, Esiri M, Bernal Sánchez-Arjona M, Dalmasso MC, Martínez-Larrad MT, Arcaro M, Nöthen MM, Fernández-Fuertes M, Dichgans M, Ingelsson M, Herrmann MJ, Scherer M, Vyhnalek M, Kosmidis MH, Yannakoulia M, Schmid M, Ewers M, Heneka MT, Wagner M, Scamosci M, Kivipelto M, Hiltunen M, Zulaica M, Alegret M, Fornage M, Roberto N, van Schoor NM, Seidu NM, Banaj N, Armstrong NJ, Scarmeas N, Scherbaum N, Goldhardt O, Hanon O, Peters O, Skrobot OA, Quenez O, Lerch O, Bossù P, Caffarra P, Dionigi Rossi P, Sakka P, Mecocci P, Hoffmann P, Holmans PA, Fischer P, Riederer P, Yang Q, Marshall R, Kalaria RN, Mayeux R, Vandenberghe R, Cecchetti R, Ghidoni R, Frikke-Schmidt R, Sorbi S, Hägg S, Engelborghs S, Helisalmi S, Botne Sando S, Kern S, Archetti S, Boschi S, Fostinelli S, Gil S, Mendoza S, Mead S, Ciccone S, Djurovic S, Heilmann-Heimbach S, Riedel-Heller S, Kuulasmaa T, Del Ser T, Lebouvier T, Polak T, Ngandu T, Grimmer T, Bessi V, Escott-Price V, Giedraitis V, Deramecourt V, Maier W, Jian X, Pijnenburg YAL, Kehoe PG, Garcia-Ribas G, Sánchez-Juan P, Pastor P, Pérez-Tur J, Piñol-Ripoll G, Lopez de Munain A, García-Alberca JM, Bullido MJ, Álvarez V, Lleó A, Real LM, Mir P, Medina M, Scheltens P, Holstege H, Marquié M, Sáez ME, Carracedo Á, Amouyel P, Schellenberg GD, Williams J, Seshadri S, van Duijn CM, Mather KA, Sánchez-Valle R, Serrano-Ríos M, Orellana A, Tárraga L, Blennow K, Huisman M, Andreassen OA, Posthuma D, Clarimón J, Boada M, van der Flier WM, Ramirez A, Lambert JC, van der Lee SJ, Ruiz A. Common variants in Alzheimer's disease and risk stratification by polygenic risk scores. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3417. [PMID: 34099642 PMCID: PMC8184987 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22491-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic discoveries of Alzheimer's disease are the drivers of our understanding, and together with polygenetic risk stratification can contribute towards planning of feasible and efficient preventive and curative clinical trials. We first perform a large genetic association study by merging all available case-control datasets and by-proxy study results (discovery n = 409,435 and validation size n = 58,190). Here, we add six variants associated with Alzheimer's disease risk (near APP, CHRNE, PRKD3/NDUFAF7, PLCG2 and two exonic variants in the SHARPIN gene). Assessment of the polygenic risk score and stratifying by APOE reveal a 4 to 5.5 years difference in median age at onset of Alzheimer's disease patients in APOE ɛ4 carriers. Because of this study, the underlying mechanisms of APP can be studied to refine the amyloid cascade and the polygenic risk score provides a tool to select individuals at high risk of Alzheimer's disease.
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Graham EK, James BD, Jackson KL, Willroth EC, Luo J, Beam CR, Pedersen NL, Reynolds CA, Katz M, Lipton RB, Boyle P, Wilson R, Bennett DA, Mroczek DK. A coordinated analysis of the associations among personality traits, cognitive decline, and dementia in older adulthood. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2021; 92:104100. [PMID: 34083845 PMCID: PMC8168939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2021.104100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There are individual differences in the rates of cognitive decline across later adulthood. Personality traits are among the factors that may account for these differences. The current project investigated whether personality traits were associated with trajectories of cognitive decline, and whether the associations were different before and after dementia diagnosis. The data was analyzed using linear mixed effects regression. Across study aims is a focus on replicability and generalizability. Each question was addressed in four independent longitudinal studies (EAS, MAP, ROS, SATSA), then meta-analyzed, providing estimates of replicability. Results indicated that low neuroticism and high openness were associated with total cognitive function. We detected evidence for cognitive decline in all four samples, and openness was associated with decline post dementia diagnosis.
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Karlsson IK, Zhan Y, Gatz M, Reynolds CA, Dahl Aslan AK. Change in cognition and body mass index in relation to preclinical dementia. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2021; 7:e12176. [PMID: 34027026 PMCID: PMC8118197 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To study if declining cognition drives weight loss in preclinical dementia, we examined the longitudinal association between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive abilities in individuals who did or did not later develop dementia. METHODS Using data from individuals spanning age 50 to 89, we applied dual change score models separately in individuals who remained cognitively intact (n = 1498) and those who were diagnosed with dementia within 5 years of last assessment (n = 459). RESULTS Among the cognitively intact, there was a bidirectional association: Stable BMI predicted stable cognition and vice versa. Among individuals who were subsequently diagnosed with dementia, the association was unidirectional: Higher BMI predicted declining cognition but cognition did not predict change in BMI. DISCUSSION Although BMI and cognition stabilized each other when cognitive functioning was intact, this buffering effect was missing in the preclinical dementia phase. This finding indicates that weight loss in preclinical dementia is not driven by declining cognition.
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Karlsson IK, Ericsson M, Wang Y, Jylhävä J, Hägg S, Dahl Aslan AK, Reynolds CA, Pedersen NL. Epigenome-wide association study of level and change in cognitive abilities from midlife through late life. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:85. [PMID: 33883019 PMCID: PMC8061224 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic mechanisms are important in aging and may be involved in late-life changes in cognitive abilities. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study of leukocyte DNA methylation in relation to level and change in cognitive abilities, from midlife through late life in 535 Swedish twins.
Results Methylation levels were measured with the Infinium Human Methylation 450 K or Infinium MethylationEPIC array, and all sites passing quality control on both arrays were selected for analysis (n = 250,816). Empirical Bayes estimates of individual intercept (age 65), linear, and quadratic change were obtained from latent growth curve models of cognitive traits and used as outcomes in linear regression models. Significant sites (p < 2.4 × 10–7) were followed up in between-within twin pair models adjusting for familial confounding and full-growth modeling. We identified six significant associations between DNA methylation and level of cognitive abilities at age 65: cg18064256 (PPP1R13L) with processing speed and spatial ability; cg04549090 (NRXN3) with spatial ability; cg09988380 (POGZ), cg25651129 (-), and cg08011941 (ENTPD8) with working memory. The genes are involved in neuroinflammation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and ATP metabolism. Within-pair associations were approximately half that of between-pair associations across all sites. In full-growth curve models, associations between DNA methylation and cognitive level at age 65 were of small effect sizes, and associations between DNA methylation and longitudinal change in cognitive abilities of very small effect sizes. Conclusions Leukocyte DNA methylation was associated with level, but not change in cognitive abilities. The associations were substantially attenuated in within-pair analyses, indicating they are influenced in part by genetic factors. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01075-9.
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Karlsson IK, Gatz M, Arpawong TE, Dahl Aslan AK, Reynolds CA. The dynamic association between body mass index and cognition from midlife through late-life, and the effect of sex and genetic influences. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7206. [PMID: 33785811 PMCID: PMC8010114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86667-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Body mass index (BMI) is associated with cognitive abilities, but the nature of the relationship remains largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the bidirectional relationship from midlife through late-life, while considering sex differences and genetic predisposition to higher BMI. We used data from 23,892 individuals of European ancestry from the Health and Retirement Study, with longitudinal data on BMI and three established cognitive indices: mental status, episodic memory, and their sum, called total cognition. To investigate the dynamic relationship between BMI and cognitive abilities, we applied dual change score models of change from age 50 through 89, with a breakpoint at age 65 or 70. Models were further stratified by sex and genetic predisposition to higher BMI using tertiles of a polygenic score for BMI (PGSBMI). We demonstrated bidirectional effects between BMI and all three cognitive indices, with higher BMI contributing to steeper decline in cognitive abilities in both midlife and late-life, and higher cognitive abilities contributing to less decline in BMI in late-life. The effects of BMI on change in cognitive abilities were more evident in men compared to women, and among those in the lowest tertile of the PGSBMI compared to those in the highest tertile, while the effects of cognition on BMI were similar across groups. In conclusion, these findings highlight a reciprocal relationship between BMI and cognitive abilities, indicating that the negative effects of a higher BMI persist from midlife through late-life, and that weight-loss in late-life may be driven by cognitive decline.
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Raymond E, Reynolds CA, Dahl Aslan AK, Finkel D, Ericsson M, Hägg S, Pedersen NL, Jylhävä J. Drivers of Frailty from Adulthood into Old Age: Results from a 27-Year Longitudinal Population-Based Study in Sweden. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 75:1943-1950. [PMID: 32348465 PMCID: PMC7518563 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes. However, longitudinal drivers of frailty are not well understood. This study aimed at investigating the longitudinal trajectories of a frailty index (FI) from adulthood to late life and identifying the factors associated with the level and rate of change in FI. METHODS An age-based latent growth curve analysis was performed in the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (N = 1,842; aged 29-102 years) using data from up to 15 measurement waves across 27 years. A 42-item FI was used to measure frailty at each wave. RESULTS A bilinear, two-slope model with a turning point at age 65 best described the age-related change in FI, showing that the increase in frailty was more than twice as fast after age 65. Underweight, obesity, female sex, overweight, being separated from one's co-twin during childhood, smoking, poor social support, and low physical activity were associated with a higher FI at age 65, with underweight having the largest effect size. When tested as time-varying covariates, underweight and higher social support were associated with a steeper increase in FI before age 65, whereas overweight and obesity were associated with less steep increase in FI after age 65. CONCLUSIONS Factors associated with the level and rate of change in frailty are largely actionable and could provide targets for intervention. As deviations from normal weight showed the strongest associations with frailty, future public health programs could benefit from monitoring of individuals with abnormal BMI, especially those who are underweight.
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Elman JA, Puckett OK, Beck A, Fennema-Notestine C, Cross LK, Dale AM, Eglit GML, Eyler LT, Gillespie NA, Granholm EL, Gustavson DE, Hagler DJ, Hatton SN, Hauger R, Jak AJ, Logue MW, McEvoy LK, McKenzie RE, Neale MC, Panizzon MS, Reynolds CA, Sanderson-Cimino M, Toomey R, Tu XM, Whitsel N, Williams ME, Xian H, Lyons MJ, Franz CE, Kremen WS. MRI-assessed locus coeruleus integrity is heritable and associated with multiple cognitive domains, mild cognitive impairment, and daytime dysfunction. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:1017-1025. [PMID: 33580733 PMCID: PMC8248066 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The locus coeruleus (LC) undergoes extensive neurodegeneration in early Alzheimer's disease (AD). The LC is implicated in regulating the sleep–wake cycle, modulating cognitive function, and AD progression. Methods Participants were 481 men (ages 62 to 71.7) from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. LC structural integrity was indexed by neuromelanin‐sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast‐to‐noise ratio (LCCNR). We examined LCCNR, cognition, amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and daytime dysfunction. Results Heritability of LCCNR was .48. Participants with aMCI showed greater daytime dysfunction. Lower LCCNR was associated with poorer episodic memory, general verbal fluency, semantic fluency, and processing speed, as well as increased odds of aMCI and greater daytime dysfunction. Discussion Reduced LC integrity is associated with widespread differences across cognitive domains, daytime sleep‐related dysfunction, and risk for aMCI. These findings in late‐middle‐aged adults highlight the potential of MRI‐based measures of LC integrity in early identification of AD risk.
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Gustavson DE, Panizzon MS, Kremen WS, Reynolds CA, Pahlen S, Nygaard M, Wod M, Catts VS, Lee T, Gatz M, Franz CE. Genetic and Environmental Influences on Semantic Verbal Fluency Across Midlife and Later Life. Behav Genet 2021; 51:99-109. [PMID: 33547998 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-021-10048-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite the relevance of semantic fluency measures to risk for dementia and psychiatric disorders, little is known about their genetic and environmental architecture in mid-to-late life. Participants represent 21,684 middle-aged and older adult twins (M = 60.84 years, SD = 11.21; Range 40-89) from six studies from three countries participating in the Interplay of Genes and Environment across Multiple Studies (IGEMS) consortium. All completed the same measure of semantic fluency (naming animals in 60 seconds). Results revealed small-to-moderate phenotypic associations with age and education, with education more strongly and positively associated with fluency performance in females than males. Heritability and environmental influences did not vary by age. Environmental variance was smaller with higher levels of education, but this effect was observed only in males. This is the largest study to examine the genetic and environmental architecture of semantic fluency, and the first to demonstrate that environmental influences vary based on levels of education.
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Gustavson DE, Jak AJ, Elman JA, Panizzon MS, Franz CE, Gifford KA, Reynolds CA, Toomey R, Lyons MJ, Kremen WS. How Well Does Subjective Cognitive Decline Correspond to Objectively Measured Cognitive Decline? Assessment of 10-12 Year Change. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:291-304. [PMID: 34308902 PMCID: PMC8482061 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although not strongly correlated with current objective cognitive ability, subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Most studies focus on SCD in relation to future decline rather than objective prior decline that it purportedly measures. OBJECTIVE We evaluated whether self-report of cognitive decline-as a continuous measure-corresponds to objectively-assessed episodic memory and executive function decline across the same period. METHODS 1,170 men completed the Everyday Cognition Questionnaire (ECog) at mean age 68 assessing subjective changes in cognitive ability relative to 10 years prior. A subset had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but MCI was diagnosed without regard to subjective decline. Participants completed up to 3 objective assessments of memory and executive function (M = 56, 62, and 68 years). Informant-reported ECogs were completed for 1,045 individuals. Analyses controlled for depression and anxiety symptoms assessed at mean age 68. RESULTS Participant-reported ECog scores were modestly associated with objective decline for memory (β= -0.23, 95%CI [-0.37, -0.10]) and executive function (β= -0.19, 95%CI [-0.33, -0.05]) over the same time period. However, these associations were nonsignificant after excluding MCI cases. Results were similar for informant ratings. Participant-rated ECog scores were more strongly associated with concurrent depression and anxiety symptoms, (β= 0.44, 95%CI [0.36, 0.53]). CONCLUSION Continuous SCD scores are correlated with prior objective cognitive changes in non-demented individuals, though this association appears driven by individuals with current MCI. However, participants' current depression and anxiety ratings tend to be strongly associated with their SCD ratings. Thus, what primarily drives SCD ratings remains unclear.
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Pedersen NL, Reynolds CA. Stability and change in adult personality: genetic and environmental components. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/per.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Eglit GM, Elman JA, Panizzon MS, Sanderson‐Cimino ME, Williams ME, Dale AM, Eyler LT, Fennema‐Notestine C, Gillespie NA, Gustavson DE, Hatton SN, Hauger RL, Jak AJ, Logue MW, McEvoy LK, McKenzie R, Neale MC, Puckett OK, Reynolds CA, Toomey R, Tu XM, Whitsell N, Xian H, Lyons MJ, Franz CE, Kremen WS. Paradoxical cognitive reserve: Cognitive trajectories from earlier to later adulthood. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.047686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Gatz M, Pike CJ, Beam CR, Reynolds CA. Relative digit length is associated with cognitive abilities in women and men. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.042328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Gustavson DE, Panizzon MS, Kremen WS, Reynolds CA, Nygaard M, Wod M, Catts VS, Lee T, Gatz M, Franz CE. Genetic and environmental influences on semantic verbal fluency across midlife and later life. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.037410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Muñoz E, Scott SB, Corley R, Wadsworth SJ, Sliwinski MJ, Reynolds CA. The role of neighborhood stressors on cognitive function: A coordinated analysis. Health Place 2020; 66:102442. [PMID: 32977302 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between perceived neighborhood stressors, encompassing negative perceived neighborhood characteristics, and specific cognitive abilities in adulthood. We conducted a coordinated analysis across three studies of adults in the United States and found that perceived neighborhood stressors were consistently associated with poorer performance on attention-demanding cognitive tasks. We specifically found that perceived neighborhood stressors were associated with lower performance in spatial abilities, working memory, and executive function but not perceptual speed, and that the effect was most consistent for lower perceived neighborhood safety followed by lower perceived aesthetic quality, greater perceived neighborhood crime, and lower perceived neighborhood cohesion. These results highlight the importance of the psychosocial neighborhood context for cognitive health in adulthood.
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Reynolds CA, Tan Q, Munoz E, Jylhävä J, Hjelmborg J, Christiansen L, Hägg S, Pedersen NL. A decade of epigenetic change in aging twins: Genetic and environmental contributions to longitudinal DNA methylation. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13197. [PMID: 32710526 PMCID: PMC7431820 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic changes may result from the interplay of environmental exposures and genetic influences and contribute to differences in age-related disease, disability, and mortality risk. However, the etiologies contributing to stability and change in DNA methylation have rarely been examined longitudinally. METHODS We considered DNA methylation in whole blood leukocyte DNA across a 10-year span in two samples of same-sex aging twins: (a) Swedish Adoption Twin Study of Aging (SATSA; N = 53 pairs, 53% female; 62.9 and 72.5 years, SD = 7.2 years); (b) Longitudinal Study of Aging Danish Twins (LSADT; N = 43 pairs, 72% female, 76.2 and 86.1 years, SD=1.8 years). Joint biometrical analyses were conducted on 358,836 methylation probes in common. Bivariate twin models were fitted, adjusting for age, sex, and country. RESULTS Overall, results suggest genetic contributions to DNA methylation across 358,836 sites tended to be small and lessen across 10 years (broad heritability M = 23.8% and 18.0%) but contributed to stability across time while person-specific factors explained emergent influences across the decade. Aging-specific sites identified from prior EWAS and methylation age clocks were more heritable than background sites. The 5037 sites that showed the greatest heritable/familial-environmental influences (p < 1E-07) were enriched for immune and inflammation pathways while 2020 low stability sites showed enrichment in stress-related pathways. CONCLUSIONS Across time, stability in methylation is primarily due to genetic contributions, while novel experiences and exposures contribute to methylation differences. Elevated genetic contributions at age-related methylation sites suggest that adaptions to aging and senescence may be differentially impacted by genetic background.
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Brumpton B, Sanderson E, Heilbron K, Hartwig FP, Harrison S, Vie GÅ, Cho Y, Howe LD, Hughes A, Boomsma DI, Havdahl A, Hopper J, Neale M, Nivard MG, Pedersen NL, Reynolds CA, Tucker-Drob EM, Grotzinger A, Howe L, Morris T, Li S, Auton A, Windmeijer F, Chen WM, Bjørngaard JH, Hveem K, Willer C, Evans DM, Kaprio J, Davey Smith G, Åsvold BO, Hemani G, Davies NM. Avoiding dynastic, assortative mating, and population stratification biases in Mendelian randomization through within-family analyses. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3519. [PMID: 32665587 PMCID: PMC7360778 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17117-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Estimates from Mendelian randomization studies of unrelated individuals can be biased due to uncontrolled confounding from familial effects. Here we describe methods for within-family Mendelian randomization analyses and use simulation studies to show that family-based analyses can reduce such biases. We illustrate empirically how familial effects can affect estimates using data from 61,008 siblings from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study and UK Biobank and replicated our findings using 222,368 siblings from 23andMe. Both Mendelian randomization estimates using unrelated individuals and within family methods reproduced established effects of lower BMI reducing risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. However, while Mendelian randomization estimates from samples of unrelated individuals suggested that taller height and lower BMI increase educational attainment, these effects were strongly attenuated in within-family Mendelian randomization analyses. Our findings indicate the necessity of controlling for population structure and familial effects in Mendelian randomization studies.
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Gustavson DE, Elman JA, Panizzon MS, Franz CE, Zuber J, Sanderson-Cimino M, Reynolds CA, Jacobson KC, Xian H, Jak AJ, Toomey R, Lyons MJ, Kremen WS. Association of baseline semantic fluency and progression to mild cognitive impairment in middle-aged men. Neurology 2020; 95:e973-e983. [PMID: 32606222 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that individual differences in episodic memory and verbal fluency in cognitively normal middle-aged adults will predict progression to amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) after 6 years. METHOD The cohort analyzed included 842 male twins who were cognitively normal at baseline (mean 56 years) and completed measures of episodic memory and verbal fluency at baseline and again 6 years later (mean 62 years). RESULTS Poor episodic memory predicted progression to both amnestic MCI (odds ratio [OR], 4.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.44-10.60) and nonamnestic MCI (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.32-3.44). Poor semantic verbal fluency also independently predicted progression to amnestic MCI (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.12-3.52). In the full sample, a semantic-specific fluency latent variable at wave 1 (which controls for letter fluency) predicted change in episodic memory at wave 2 (β = 0.13), but not vice versa (β = 0.04). Associations between episodic memory and verbal fluency factors were primarily explained by genetic, rather than environmental, correlations. CONCLUSIONS Among individuals who were cognitively normal at wave 1, episodic memory moderately to strongly predicted progression to MCI at average age 62, emphasizing the fact that there is still meaningful variability even among cognitively normal individuals. Episodic memory, which is typically a primary focus for Alzheimer disease (AD) risk, declined earlier and more quickly than fluency. However, semantic fluency at average age 56 predicted 6-year change in memory as well as progression to amnestic MCI even after accounting for baseline memory performance. These findings emphasize the utility of memory and fluency measures in early identification of AD risk.
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Stevens SM, Gustavson DE, Fang B, Tu X, Logue M, Lyons MJ, Reynolds CA, Kremen WS, Franz CE. Predicting Health-Related Quality of Life in Trauma-Exposed Male Veterans in Late Midlife: A 20 Year Longitudinal Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124554. [PMID: 32599875 PMCID: PMC7345107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Trauma-exposed adults with high levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) report poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but less is known about the persistence of this relationship over time. Participants from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging reported on PTSS, health, and sociodemographic characteristics at average age 38; 775 participants reported having been exposed to trauma. Later, at average ages 56 and 62, mental and physical HRQOL were assessed with the Short-Form 36. Premorbid risk for anxiety/neuroticism was evaluated with a polygenic risk score derived from a large genome-wide association study meta-analysis. In multivariate mixed models, having higher levels of PTSS, poorer self-rated health, lower income, and less education at age 38 were associated with worse physical and mental HRQOL two decades later. Chronic health problems at age 38 predicted midlife physical but not mental HRQOL. Although genetic risk for neuroticism was correlated with HRQOL and PTSS, it was no longer significant in multivariate models. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) predicts morbidity and mortality independently of objective health measures; early interventions may help to mitigate the ongoing impact of trauma on quality of life.
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Luo J, Beam CR, Karlsson IK, Pike CJ, Reynolds CA, Gatz M. Dementia risk in women higher in same-sex than opposite-sex twins. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 12:e12049. [PMID: 32582836 PMCID: PMC7306516 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hormones may be one possible mechanism underlying sex differences in dementia incidence. We examined whether presumed differential prenatal hormone milieu is related to dementia risk by comparing dementia rates in same- and opposite-sex dizygotic twin pairs in male and female twins. METHODS The sample comprised 43,254 individuals from dizygotic twin pairs aged 60 and older from the Swedish Twin Registry. Survival analyses were conducted separately for females and males. RESULTS Female twins from opposite-sex pairs had significantly lower dementia risk than female twins from same-sex pairs, but the differences emerged only after age 70 (hazard ratio = 0.64, P = 0.004). Results were not explained by postnatal risk factors for dementia, and no interaction between twin type and apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 was found. Male twins from same-sex versus opposite-sex pairs did not differ significantly. DISCUSSION The results suggest that relatively masculine prenatal hormone milieus correlate with lower dementia risk in females.
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Xian H, Boutwell B, Reynolds CA, Lew D, Logue M, Gustavson DE, Kavish N, Panizzon MS, Tu X, Toomey R, Puckett OK, Elman JA, Jacobson KC, Lyons MJ, Kremen WS, Franz CE. Genetic Underpinnings of Increased BMI and Its Association With Late Midlife Cognitive Abilities. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2020; 6:2333721420925267. [PMID: 32537479 PMCID: PMC7268925 DOI: 10.1177/2333721420925267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: First, we test for differences in various cognitive
abilities across trajectories of body mass index (BMI) over the later life
course. Second, we examine whether genetic risk factors for unhealthy
BMIs—assessed via polygenic risk scores (PRS)—predict cognitive abilities in
late-life. Methods: The study used a longitudinal sample of Vietnam
veteran males to explore the associations between BMI trajectories, measured
across four time points, and later cognitive abilities. The sample of 977
individuals was drawn from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. Cognitive
abilities evaluated included executive function, abstract reasoning, episodic
memory, processing speed, verbal fluency, and visual spatial ability. Multilevel
linear regression models were used to estimate the associations between BMI
trajectories and cognitive abilities. Then, BMI PRS was added to the models to
evaluate polygenic associations with cognitive abilities. Results:
There were no significant differences in cognitive ability between any of the
BMI trajectory groups. There was a significant inverse relationship between
BMI-PRS and several cognitive ability measures. Discussion: While
no associations emerged for BMI trajectories and cognitive abilities at the
phenotypic levels, BMI PRS measures did correlate with key cognitive domains.
Our results suggest possible polygenic linkages cutting across key components of
the central and peripheral nervous system.
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Karlsson IK, Lehto K, Gatz M, Reynolds CA, Dahl Aslan AK. Age-dependent effects of body mass index across the adult life span on the risk of dementia: a cohort study with a genetic approach. BMC Med 2020; 18:131. [PMID: 32513281 PMCID: PMC7282125 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01600-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While a high body mass index (BMI) in midlife is associated with higher risk of dementia, high BMI in late-life may be associated with lower risk. This study combined genetic designs with longitudinal data to achieve a better understanding of this paradox. METHODS We used longitudinal data from 22,156 individuals in the Swedish Twin Registry (STR) and 25,698 from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The STR sample had information about BMI from early adulthood through late-life, and the HRS sample from age 50 through late-life. Survival analysis was applied to investigate age-specific associations between BMI and dementia risk. To examine if the associations are influenced by genetic susceptibility to higher BMI, an interaction between BMI and a polygenic score for BMI (PGSBMI) was included in the models and results stratified into those with genetic predisposition to low, medium, and higher BMI. In the STR, co-twin control models were applied to adjust for familial factors beyond those captured by the PGSBMI. RESULTS At age 35-49, 5 units higher BMI was associated with 15% (95% CI 7-24%) higher risk of dementia in the STR. There was a significant interaction (p = 0.04) between BMI and the PGSBMI, and the association present only among those with genetic predisposition to low BMI (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08-1.78). Co-twin control analyses indicated genetic influences. After age 80, 5 units higher BMI was associated with 10-11% lower risk of dementia in both samples. There was a significant interaction between late-life BMI and the PGSBMI in the STR (p = 0.01), but not the HRS, with the inverse association present only among those with a high PGSBMI (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.94). No genetic influences were evident from co-twin control models of late-life BMI. CONCLUSIONS Not only does the association between BMI and dementia differ depending on age at BMI measurement, but also the effect of genetic influences. In STR, the associations were only present among those with a BMI in opposite direction of their genetic predisposition, indicating that the association between BMI and dementia across the life course might be driven by environmental factors and hence likely modifiable.
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Graham EK, Weston SJ, Gerstorf D, Yoneda TB, Booth T, Beam CR, Petkus AJ, Drewelies J, Hall AN, Bastarache ED, Estabrook R, Katz MJ, Turiano NA, Lindenberger U, Smith J, Wagner GG, Pedersen NL, Allemand M, Spiro A, Deeg DJH, Johansson B, Piccinin AM, Lipton RB, Schaie KW, Willis S, Reynolds CA, Deary IJ, Hofer SM, Mroczek DK. Trajectories of Big Five Personality Traits: A Coordinated Analysis of 16 Longitudinal Samples. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY 2020; 34:301-321. [PMID: 33564207 DOI: 10.1002/per.2259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed change in self-reported Big Five personality traits. We conducted a coordinated integrative data analysis using data from 16 longitudinal samples, comprising a total sample of over 60 000 participants. We coordinated models across multiple datasets and fit identical multi-level growth models to assess and compare the extent of trait change over time. Quadratic change was assessed in a subset of samples with four or more measurement occasions. Across studies, the linear trajectory models revealed declines in conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness. Non-linear models suggested late-life increases in neuroticism. Meta-analytic summaries indicated that the fixed effects of personality change are somewhat heterogeneous and that the variability in trait change is partially explained by sample age, country of origin, and personality measurement method. We also found mixed evidence for predictors of change, specifically for sex and baseline age. This study demonstrates the importance of coordinated conceptual replications for accelerating the accumulation of robust and reliable findings in the lifespan developmental psychological sciences.
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Gustavson DE, Elman JA, Sanderson‐Cimino M, Franz CE, Panizzon MS, Jak AJ, Reynolds CA, Neale MC, Lyons MJ, Kremen WS. Extensive memory testing improves prediction of progression to MCI in late middle age. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 12:e12004. [PMID: 32284960 PMCID: PMC7148418 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Predicting risk for Alzheimer's disease when most people are likely still biomarker negative would aid earlier identification. We hypothesized that combining multiple memory tests and scores in middle-aged adults would provide useful, and non-invasive, prediction of 6-year progression to MCI. METHODS We examined 849 men who were cognitively normal at baseline (mean age ± SD = 55.69 ± 2.45). RESULTS California Verbal Learning Test learning trials was the best individual predictor of amnestic MCI (OR = 4.75). A latent factor incorporating seven measures across three memory tests provided much stronger prediction (OR = 9.88). This compared favorably with biomarker-based prediction in a study of much older adults. DISCUSSION Neuropsychological tests are sensitive and early indicators of MCI risk at an age when few individuals are likely to have yet become biomarker positive. The single best measures may appear time- and cost-effective, but 30 additional minutes of testing and use of multiple scores within tests provide substantially improved prediction.
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Finkel D, Franz CE, Christensen K, Reynolds CA, Pedersen NL. Longitudinal Twin Study of Subjective Health: Differences in Genetic and Environmental Components of Variance Across Age and Sex. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 75:1-10. [PMID: 29590493 PMCID: PMC6909438 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current analysis examines sex differences in longitudinal changes in genetic and environmental influences on three measures of subjective health (SH). METHOD Sample includes 7,372 twins (mean intake age = 73.22) with up to 8 waves of measurement (mean = 3.1). Three SH items were included: general self-rated health (SRH), health compared to age peers (COMP), and impact of health on activities (ACT) which previous research shows capture different frames of reference. RESULTS Latent growth curve modeling indicated significant differences across gender and frame of reference in trajectories of change with age and in genetic and environmental contributions to change. Men have higher mean scores on all three SH measures, indicating better SH, but there were no sex differences in pattern of change with age. Accelerating declines with age were found for SRH and ACT, whereas COMP improved with age. Results indicated more genetic variance for women than men, but declining genetic variance for both after age 70. Increasing shared environmental variance with increasing age was also found for both sexes. DISCUSSION As aging triggers a re-evaluation of the meaning of "good health," physical aspects of health may become less important and shared cultural conceptions of health may become more relevant. This change in conceptions of good health may reflect both aging and the change in composition of the elderly population as a result of selective survival.
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