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Fletcher J, Jajtner K, Kim J. Geographic disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia mortality in the US: Comparing impacts of place of birth and place of residence. SSM Popul Health 2024; 27:101708. [PMID: 39262769 PMCID: PMC11387211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigates geographic variations in ADRD mortality in the US. By considering both state of residence and state of birth, we aim to discern the relative importance of these geospatial factors. Methods We conducted a secondary data analysis of the National Longitudinal Mortality Study (NLMS), that has 3.5 million records from 1973 to 2011 and over 0.5 million deaths. We focused on individuals born in or before 1930, tracked in NLMS cohorts from 1979 to 2000. Employing multi-level logistic regression, with individuals nested within states of residence and/or states of birth, we assessed the role of geographical factors in ADRD mortality variation. Results We found that both state of birth and state of residence account for a modest portion of ADRD mortality variation. Specifically, state of residence explains 1.19% of the total variation in ADRD mortality, whereas state of birth explains only 0.6%. When combined, both state of residence and state of birth account for only 1.05% of the variation, suggesting state of residence could matter more in ADRD mortality outcomes. Conclusion Findings of this study suggest that state of residence explains more variation in ADRD mortality than state of birth. These results indicate that factors in later life may present more impactful intervention points for curbing ADRD mortality. While early-life environmental exposures remain relevant, their role as primary determinants of ADRD in later life appears to be less pronounced in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Fletcher
- La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katie Jajtner
- Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Retirement and Disability Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jinho Kim
- Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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2
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Lozupone M, Dibello V, Sardone R, Castellana F, Zupo R, Lampignano L, Bortone I, Daniele A, Bellomo A, Solfrizzi V, Panza F. The Impact of Apolipoprotein E ( APOE) Epigenetics on Aging and Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1529. [PMID: 38132357 PMCID: PMC10740847 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) derives from an interplay among environmental factors and genetic variants, while epigenetic modifications have been expected to affect the onset and progression of its complex etiopathology. Carriers of one copy of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) ε4 allele have a 4-fold increased AD risk, while APOE ε4/ε4-carriers have a 12-fold increased risk of developing AD in comparison with the APOE ε3-carriers. The main longevity factor is the homozygous APOE ε3/ε3 genotype. In the present narrative review article, we summarized and described the role of APOE epigenetics in aging and AD pathophysiology. It is not fully understood how APOE variants may increase or decrease AD risk, but this gene may affect tau- and amyloid-mediated neurodegeneration directly or indirectly, also by affecting lipid metabolism and inflammation. For sporadic AD, epigenetic regulatory mechanisms may control and influence APOE expression in response to external insults. Diet, a major environmental factor, has been significantly associated with physical exercise, cognitive function, and the methylation level of several cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotide sites of APOE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madia Lozupone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBrain), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Dibello
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Rodolfo Sardone
- Local Healthcare Authority of Taranto, 74121 Taranto, Italy;
| | - Fabio Castellana
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Clinica Medica e Geriatria “Cesare Frugoni”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (F.C.); (R.Z.); (V.S.)
| | - Roberta Zupo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Clinica Medica e Geriatria “Cesare Frugoni”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (F.C.); (R.Z.); (V.S.)
| | - Luisa Lampignano
- Local Healthcare Authority of Bari, ASL Bari, 70132 Bari, Italy;
| | - Ilaria Bortone
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBrain), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonio Daniele
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Solfrizzi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Clinica Medica e Geriatria “Cesare Frugoni”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (F.C.); (R.Z.); (V.S.)
| | - Francesco Panza
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Clinica Medica e Geriatria “Cesare Frugoni”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (F.C.); (R.Z.); (V.S.)
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Hong J, Dembo RS, DaWalt LS, Baker MW, Berry-Kravis E, Mailick MR. Mortality in Women across the FMR1 CGG Repeat Range: The Neuroprotective Effect of Higher Education. Cells 2023; 12:2137. [PMID: 37681869 PMCID: PMC10486613 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Higher education has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, slowing the rate of age-related cognitive decline, and is associated with lower rates of early mortality. In the present study, the association between higher education, fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) cytosine-guanine-guanine (CGG) repeat number, and mortality before life expectancy was investigated in a population cohort of women born in 1939. The findings revealed a significant interaction between years of higher education and CGG repeat number. Counter to the study's hypothesis, the effects of higher education became more pronounced as the number of CGG repeats increased. There was no effect of years of higher education on early mortality for women who had 25 repeats, while each year of higher education decreased the hazard of early mortality by 8% for women who had 30 repeats. For women with 41 repeats, the hazard was decreased by 14% for each additional year of higher education. The interaction remained significant after controlling for IQ and family socioeconomic status (SES) measured during high school, as well as factors measured during adulthood (family, psychosocial, health, and financial factors). The results are interpreted in the context of differential sensitivity to the environment, a conceptualization that posits that some people are more reactive to both negative and positive environmental conditions. Expansions in CGG repeats have been shown in previous FMR1 research to manifest such a differential sensitivity pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkuk Hong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (R.S.D.); (L.S.D.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Robert S. Dembo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (R.S.D.); (L.S.D.); (M.R.M.)
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
| | - Leann Smith DaWalt
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (R.S.D.); (L.S.D.); (M.R.M.)
| | - Mei Wang Baker
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Marsha R. Mailick
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (R.S.D.); (L.S.D.); (M.R.M.)
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Amin V, Fletcher JM, Lu Q, Song J. Re-examining the relationship between education and adult mental health in the UK: A research note. ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION REVIEW 2023; 93:102354. [PMID: 37033902 PMCID: PMC10078235 DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2023.102354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies using variation in education arising from compulsory schooling laws have found no causal effects of education on mental health in the UK. We re-examine the relationship between education and mental health in the UK by taking a different approach: sibling fixed-effects with controls for polygenic scores (summary measures of genetic predisposition) for educational attainment and adult depressive symptoms. We find that higher educational attainment is associated with better adult mental health, that sibling controls reduce these associations by ~40-70% but important associations remain and find evidence for non-monotonic effects. We also find suggestive evidence that education partially "rescues" genetic predictors of poor mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikesh Amin
- Central Michigan University
- Corresponding author. (V. Amin)
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Pettigrew C, Nazarovs J, Soldan A, Singh V, Wang J, Hohman T, Dumitrescu L, Libby J, Kunkle B, Gross AL, Johnson S, Lu Q, Engelman C, Masters CL, Maruff P, Laws SM, Morris JC, Hassenstab J, Cruchaga C, Resnick SM, Kitner-Triolo MH, An Y, Albert M. Alzheimer's disease genetic risk and cognitive reserve in relationship to long-term cognitive trajectories among cognitively normal individuals. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:66. [PMID: 36978190 PMCID: PMC10045505 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both Alzheimer's disease (AD) genetic risk factors and indices of cognitive reserve (CR) influence risk of cognitive decline, but it remains unclear whether they interact. This study examined whether a CR index score modifies the relationship between AD genetic risk factors and long-term cognitive trajectories in a large sample of individuals with normal cognition. METHODS Analyses used data from the Preclinical AD Consortium, including harmonized data from 5 longitudinal cohort studies. Participants were cognitively normal at baseline (M baseline age = 64 years, 59% female) and underwent 10 years of follow-up, on average. AD genetic risk was measured by (i) apolipoprotein-E (APOE) genetic status (APOE-ε2 and APOE-ε4 vs. APOE-ε3; N = 1819) and (ii) AD polygenic risk scores (AD-PRS; N = 1175). A CR index was calculated by combining years of education and literacy scores. Longitudinal cognitive performance was measured by harmonized factor scores for global cognition, episodic memory, and executive function. RESULTS In mixed-effects models, higher CR index scores were associated with better baseline cognitive performance for all cognitive outcomes. APOE-ε4 genotype and AD-PRS that included the APOE region (AD-PRSAPOE) were associated with declines in all cognitive domains, whereas AD-PRS that excluded the APOE region (AD-PRSw/oAPOE) was associated with declines in executive function and global cognition, but not memory. There were significant 3-way CR index score × APOE-ε4 × time interactions for the global (p = 0.04, effect size = 0.16) and memory scores (p = 0.01, effect size = 0.22), indicating the negative effect of APOE-ε4 genotype on global and episodic memory score change was attenuated among individuals with higher CR index scores. In contrast, levels of CR did not attenuate APOE-ε4-related declines in executive function or declines associated with higher AD-PRS. APOE-ε2 genotype was unrelated to cognition. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that APOE-ε4 and non-APOE-ε4 AD polygenic risk are independently associated with global cognitive and executive function declines among individuals with normal cognition at baseline, but only APOE-ε4 is associated with declines in episodic memory. Importantly, higher levels of CR may mitigate APOE-ε4-related declines in some cognitive domains. Future research is needed to address study limitations, including generalizability due to cohort demographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Pettigrew
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1600 McElderry St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Jurijs Nazarovs
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Anja Soldan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1600 McElderry St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Vikas Singh
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Jiangxia Wang
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Timothy Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1207 17th Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Logan Dumitrescu
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1207 17th Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Julia Libby
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1207 17th Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA
| | - Brian Kunkle
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Alden L Gross
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sterling Johnson
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Qiongshi Lu
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Corinne Engelman
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53726, USA
| | - Colin L Masters
- The Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Paul Maruff
- The Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Simon M Laws
- Centre for Precision Health and Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, Edith Cowan University, 270 Jundaloop Drive, Jundaloop, WA, 6027, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - John C Morris
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jason Hassenstab
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Carlos Cruchaga
- Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Susan M Resnick
- National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Melissa H Kitner-Triolo
- National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Yang An
- National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Marilyn Albert
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1600 McElderry St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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6
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Arpawong TE, Gatz M, Zavala C, Gruenewald TL, Walters EE, Prescott CA. Nature, Nurture, and the Meaning of Educational Attainment: Differences by Sex and Socioeconomic Status. Twin Res Hum Genet 2023; 26:1-9. [PMID: 36912114 PMCID: PMC10497722 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2023.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Estimated heritability of educational attainment (EA) varies widely, from 23% to 80%, with growing evidence suggesting the degree to which genetic variation contributes to individual differences in EA is highly dependent upon situational factors. We aimed to decompose EA into influences attributable to genetic propensity and to environmental context and their interplay, while considering influences of rearing household economic status (HES) and sex. We use the Project Talent Twin and Sibling Study, drawn from the population-representative cohort of high school students assessed in 1960 and followed through 2014, to ages 68-72. Data from 3552 twins and siblings from 1741 families were analyzed using multilevel regression and multiple group structural equation models. Individuals from less-advantaged backgrounds had lower EA and less variation. Genetic variance accounted for 51% of the total variance, but within women and men, 40% and 58% of the total variance respectively. Men had stable genetic variance on EA across all HES strata, whereas high HES women showed the same level of genetic influence as men, and lower HES women had constrained genetic influence on EA. Unexpectedly, middle HES women showed the largest constraints in genetic influence on EA. Shared family environment appears to make an outsized contribution to greater variability for women in this middle stratum and whether they pursue more EA. Implications are that without considering early life opportunity, genetic studies on education may mischaracterize sex differences because education reflects different degrees of genetic and environmental influences for women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalida Em Arpawong
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Margaret Gatz
- Department of Psychology, Dornsife School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Center for Economic and Social Research, Dornsife School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Catalina Zavala
- Department of Psychology, Dornsife School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Ellen E. Walters
- Center for Economic and Social Research, Dornsife School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Carol A. Prescott
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychology, Dornsife School of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Zhao B, Ou YN, Zhang XY, Fu Y, Tan L. Differential Associations of APOEɛ2 and APOEɛ4 Genotypes with Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease in Individuals Without Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1813-1825. [PMID: 38073392 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The APOE genotype has emerged as the major genetic factor for AD but differs among different alleles. OBJECTIVE To investigate the discrepant effects of APOE genotype on AD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. METHODS A total of 989 non-demented ADNI participants were included. The associations of APOEɛ2 and APOEɛ4 with CSF biomarkers were investigated using linear regression models. Interaction and subgroup analyses were used to investigate the effects of sex and age on these associations. Furthermore, we used mediation analyses to assess whether Aβ mediated the associations between APOE genotypes and tau. RESULTS APOEɛ2 carriers only showed higher Aβ levels (β [95% CI] = 0.07 [0.01, 0.13], p = 0.026). Conversely, APOEɛ4 carriers exhibited lower Aβ concentration (β [95% CI] = -0.27 [-0.31, -0.24], p < 0.001), higher t-Tau (β [95% CI] = 0.25 [0.08, 0.18], p < 0.001) and higher p-Tau (β [95% CI] = 0.31 [0.25, 0.37], p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that APOE ɛ2 was significantly positively associated with Aβ only in females (β [95% CI] = 0.12 [0.04, 0.21], p = 0.005) and older people (β [95% CI] = 0.06 [0.001, 0.12], p = 0.048). But the effects of APOE ɛ4 were independent of gender and age. Besides, the associations of APOE ɛ4 with t-Tau and p-Tau were both mediated by baseline Aβ. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggested that APOEɛ2 could promote Aβ clearance, while the process could be modified by sex and age. However, APOEɛ4 might cause the accumulation of Aβ and tau pathology independent of sex and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Nan Ou
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuan-Yue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yan Fu
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lan Tan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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8
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Migliore L, Coppedè F. Gene-environment interactions in Alzheimer disease: the emerging role of epigenetics. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:643-660. [PMID: 36180553 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00714-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
With the exception of a few monogenic forms, Alzheimer disease (AD) has a complex aetiology that is likely to involve multiple susceptibility genes and environmental factors. The role of environmental factors is difficult to determine and, until a few years ago, the molecular mechanisms underlying gene-environment (G × E) interactions in AD were largely unknown. Here, we review evidence that has emerged over the past two decades to explain how environmental factors, such as diet, lifestyle, alcohol, smoking and pollutants, might interact with the human genome. In particular, we discuss how various environmental AD risk factors can induce epigenetic modifications of key AD-related genes and pathways and consider how epigenetic mechanisms could contribute to the effects of oxidative stress on AD onset. Studies on early-life exposures are helping to uncover critical time windows of sensitivity to epigenetic influences from environmental factors, thereby laying the foundations for future primary preventative approaches. We conclude that epigenetic modifications need to be considered when assessing G × E interactions in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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9
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Hong J, Dembo RS, DaWalt LS, Brilliant M, Berry-Kravis EM, Mailick M. The effect of college degree attainment on neurodegenerative symptoms in genetically at-risk women. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101262. [PMID: 36238818 PMCID: PMC9550653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Using longitudinal data, the present study examined the association between college degree attainment and the manifestation of neurodegenerative symptoms among women (n = 93) at elevated genetic risk. The neurodegenerative symptoms investigated in this study are due to FXTAS (Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome), a condition with onset after age 50. Those at risk for FXTAS have a mutation of a single gene found on the X chromosome. FXTAS is characterized by intention tremor, gait ataxia, executive function deficits, memory issues, and neuropathy. College degree attainment has been shown to provide neuroprotective effects in the general population, delaying the development of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. For this reason, college degree attainment is a potentially salient resource for those at risk of FXTAS. The results of the present research indicated significantly more severe FXTAS symptoms in women who did not attain a college degree as compared with those who were college graduates, although the two groups were similar in age, genetic risk, household income, health behaviors, and general health problems. Furthermore, symptoms in those who did not attain a college degree worsened over the 9-year study period at a significantly faster rate than the college graduates. The association between college degree attainment and FXTAS symptoms was significantly mediated by depression, which was lower among the graduates than those who did not attain a college degree. Thus, the present research is an example of how a sociodemographic factor can mitigate neurodegenerative conditions in genetically at-risk adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinkuk Hong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
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10
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Herd P, Sicinski K. Using sibling models to unpack the relationship between education and cognitive functioning in later life. SSM Popul Health 2022; 17:100960. [PMID: 34984219 PMCID: PMC8693027 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As the population ages and the prevalence of dementia increases, unpacking robust and persistent associations between educational attainment and later life cognitive functioning is increasingly important. We do know, from studies with robust causal designs, that policies that increase years of schooling improve later life cognitive functioning. Yet these studies don't illuminate why older adults with greater educational attainment have relatively preserved cognitive functioning. Studies focused on why, however, have been hampered by methodological limitations and inattention to some key explanations for this relationship. Consequently, we test explanations encompassing antecedent factors, specifically family environments, adolescent IQ, and genetic factors, as well as adult mediating mechanisms, specifically health behaviors and health. We employ the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, which includes 80 years of prospectively collected data on a sample of 1 in every 3 high school graduates, and a selected sibling, from the class of 1957. Sibling models, and the inclusion of prospectively collected early and midlife covariates, allows us to address the explanatory and methodological limitations of the prior literature to better unpack the relationship between education and later life cognitive functioning. We find little evidence that early life genetic endowments and environments, or midlife health and health behaviors, explain the relationship. Adolescent cognition, however, does matter; higher educational attainment, linked to antecedent adolescent cognitive functioning, helps protect against lower levels of cognitive functioning in later life. Both adolescent cognition and education, however, independently associate with later life cognitive functioning at relatively similar magnitudes. Educational attainment's relationship to later life cognitive functioning is not simply a function of adolescent cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Herd
- Georgetown University, McCourt School of Public Policy, 37 and O Streets, NW. Old North, Suite 100, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Kamil Sicinski
- Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
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11
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Frank M, Hensel J, Baak L, Schramm S, Dragano N, Weimar C, Hoffmann P, Nöthen MM, Erbel R, Jöckel KH, Jokisch M, Schmidt B. Interaction of Alzheimer's Disease-Associated Genetic Risk with Indicators of Socioeconomic Position on Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:1715-1725. [PMID: 34219719 PMCID: PMC8461721 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 allele is reported to be a strong genetic risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Additional genetic loci have been detected that influence the risk for late-onset AD. As socioeconomic position (SEP) is also strongly related to cognitive decline, SEP has been suggested to be a possible modifier of the genetic effect on MCI. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether APOEɛ4 and a genetic sum score of AD-associated risk alleles (GRSAD) interact with SEP indicators to affect MCI in a population-based cohort. METHODS Using data of 3,834 participants of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study, APOEɛ4 and GRSAD by SEP interactions were assessed using logistic regression models, as well as SEP-stratified genetic association analysis. Interaction on additive scale was calculated using the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). All analysis were additionally stratified by sex. RESULTS Indication for interaction on the additive scale was found between APOEɛ4 and low education on MCI (RERI: 0.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01; 1.03]). The strongest genetic effects of the APOEɛ4 genotype on MCI were observed in groups of low education (Odds ratio (OR): 1.46 [95% CI: 0.79; 2.63] for≤10 years of education versus OR: 1.00 [95% CI: 0.43; 2.14] for≥18 years of education). Sex stratified results showed stronger effects in women. No indication for interaction between the GRSAD and SEP indicators on MCI was observed. CONCLUSION Results indicate that low education may have an impact on APOEɛ4 expression on MCI, especially among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Frank
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jonas Hensel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lisa Baak
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sara Schramm
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nico Dragano
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Weimar
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,BDH-clinic Elzach, Elzach, Germany
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Raimund Erbel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Jöckel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martha Jokisch
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Börge Schmidt
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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12
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Angelopoulou E, Paudel YN, Papageorgiou SG, Piperi C. APOE Genotype and Alzheimer's Disease: The Influence of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2749-2764. [PMID: 34275270 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with obscure pathogenesis and no disease-modifying therapy to date. AD is multifactorial disease that develops from the complex interplay of genetic factors and environmental exposures. The E4 allele of the gene encoding apolipoprotein E (APOE) is the most common genetic risk factor for AD, whereas the E2 allele acts in a protective manner. A growing amount of epidemiological evidence suggests that several lifestyle habits and environmental factors may interact with APOE alleles to synergistically affect the risk of AD development. Among them, physical exercise, dietary habits including fat intake and ketogenic diet, higher education, traumatic brain injury, cigarette smoking, coffee consumption, alcohol intake, and exposure to pesticides and sunlight have gained increasing attention. Although the current evidence is inconsistent, it seems that younger APOE4 carriers in preclinical stages may benefit mostly from preventive lifestyle interventions, whereas older APOE4 noncarriers with dementia may show the most pronounced effects. The large discrepancies between the epidemiological studies may be attributed to differences in the sample sizes, the demographic characteristics of the participants, including age and sex, the methodological design, and potential related exposures and comorbidities as possible cofounding factors. In this Review, we aim to discuss available evidence of the prominent APOE genotype-environment interactions in regard to cognitive decline with a focus on AD, providing an overview of the current landscape in this field and suggesting future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Angelopoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Eginition University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Yam Nath Paudel
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sokratis G. Papageorgiou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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13
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Chang YL, Zhuo YY, Luo DH. Education Moderates the Negative Effect of Apolipoprotein E ɛ4 on Response Inhibition in Older Adults. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:1147-1157. [PMID: 34151797 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have reported that apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE ɛ4) has adverse effects on executive functions (EFs) in late adulthood. However, the results have been inconsistent. Insufficient measurements of executive functioning, uncontrolled clinical and demographic confounders, and moderation effects from other environmental factors are suspected to account for the inconsistency. OBJECTIVE This study used aggregate measures to examine the effects of APOE ɛ4 on four components of EFs, namely switching, working memory, inhibition, and reasoning. We further investigated whether high educational attainment, a proxy measure for cognitive reserve, moderates the adverse effects of ɛ4 on EFs. METHODS Cognitively unimpaired older participants were divided into groups based on APOE genotype and into subgroups based on educational attainment level. The demographic and clinical variables were matched between the groups. Four core components of the EFs were measured using a relatively comprehensive battery. RESULTS The results revealed that although no main effect of the APOE genotype was observed across the four EF components, the potentially adverse effects of ɛ4 on inhibition were alleviated by high educational attainment. A main effect of education on the reasoning component was also observed. The moderation analysis revealed that for older adults with 12 years of education or fewer, the relationship between the APOE ɛ4 genotype and inhibition performance became increasingly negative. CONCLUSION This study highlights the distinctive role of response inhibition in the gene-environment interaction and underlines the importance of considering factors of both nature and nurture to understand the complex process of cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Chang
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Robotics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Yuan Zhuo
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Di-Hua Luo
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Nicholas P, Green T, Purtell L, Bonner A. A cross-sectional study exploring cognitive impairment in kidney failure. J Ren Care 2021; 48:93-101. [PMID: 34227741 DOI: 10.1111/jorc.12393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known of the prevalence or associated factors of cognitive impairment in people with kidney failure. Assessment of cognition is necessary to inform comprehension of healthcare information, aptitude for dialysis modality and informed decision making. OBJECTIVES This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with cognitive impairment in people with kidney failure. DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS Participants (n = 222) with chronic kidney disease grade 5 (CKD G5) including those not treated with dialysis, those undertaking dialysis independently or in a facility (CKD 5D), and those with a kidney transplant (CKD 5T). MEASUREMENTS Data were collected using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (only the depression subscale), and a demographic questionnaire. Type of kidney disease and comorbidities were extracted from participants' hospital records. RESULTS Participants were 61 ± 13.63 years old; most were male (61.26%), and diabetes was the primary cause of kidney disease (34%). Prevalence of cognitive impairment was 34% although it was significantly higher for those in CKD G5 compared with other groups. A number of factors were found to be associated with cognitive impairment including, age, diabetes, hypertension, education, haemoglobin, albumin, parathyroid hormone, CKD G5, and length of time on treatment. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive impairment in kidney failure is common and it has significant implications for informed decision making and treatment choices. Routine assessment of cognitive function is an important part of clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Nicholas
- Kidney Health Service, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Theresa Green
- Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Nursing, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Louise Purtell
- Kidney Health Service, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.,Chronic Kidney Disease Centre for Research Excellence, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ann Bonner
- Kidney Health Service, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.,Chronic Kidney Disease Centre for Research Excellence, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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15
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Fletcher J, Topping M, Zheng F, Lu Q. The effects of education on cognition in older age: Evidence from genotyped Siblings. Soc Sci Med 2021; 280:114044. [PMID: 34029863 PMCID: PMC8205990 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A growing literature has sought to tie educational attainment with later-life cognition and Alzheimer's disease outcomes. This paper leverages sibling comparisons in educational attainment as well as genetic predictors (polygenic scores) for cognition, educational attainment, and Alzheimer's disease to estimate effects of educational attainment on cognition in older age in the United Kingdom. We find that the effects of education on cognition are confounded by family background factors (~40%) and by genetics (<10%). After adjustments, we continue to find large effects of education. College graduates have cognition scores that are approximately 0.75 SD higher than those who report no credentials. We also find evidence that educational effects on cognition are smaller for those with high polygenic scores for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Fletcher
- La Follette School of Public Affairs and Department of Sociology, Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
| | - Michael Topping
- Department of Sociology, Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
| | - Fengyi Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
| | - Qiongshi Lu
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
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16
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Orland Y, Beeri MS, Levy S, Israel A, Ravona-Springer R, Segev S, Elkana O. Physical fitness mediates the association between age and cognition in healthy adults. Aging Clin Exp Res 2021; 33:1359-1366. [PMID: 32557334 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-020-01621-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical fitness is an important contributor to healthy aging that improves cognition. Older adults who engage in cardiorespiratory fitness activities show less cognitive decline. AIMS To examine whether physical fitness acts as a potential protective mechanism shielding against the negative associations between age and cognition. Specifically, we examined whether physical fitness mediates the relationship between age and processing speed. METHODS 114 (M = 63.80, SD = 10.63) senior executives completed a computerized cognitive battery composed of four processing speed tasks. Level of physical fitness was assessed on a treadmill stress test and reported in metabolic equivalents (METs). RESULTS Older age was associated with slower processing speed (r = 0.25, p = 0.007), whereas greater physical fitness was associated with faster processing speed (r = -0.30, p = 0.001). Path analysis indicated that the association between age and processing speed was fully mediated by the level of physical fitness (Indirect effect: β = 0.10, p = 0.008; Direct effect: β = 0.16, p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION The findings indicate that physical fitness is a strong mediator of the relationship between age and processing speed and imply that physical fitness makes a major contribution to cognitive reserve during the aging process. The results may suggest that the decrease in physical fitness during aging may partially account for slower cognitive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaara Orland
- Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Rabeinu Yerucham St., P.O.Box 8401, 68114, Yaffo, Israel
| | - Michal Schnaider Beeri
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Department of Psychiatry, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sigal Levy
- Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Rabeinu Yerucham St., P.O.Box 8401, 68114, Yaffo, Israel
| | - Ariel Israel
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Shlomo Segev
- Institute of Medical Screening, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Odelia Elkana
- Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Rabeinu Yerucham St., P.O.Box 8401, 68114, Yaffo, Israel.
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17
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Williams VJ, Carlsson CM, Fischer A, Johnson SC, Lange K, Partridge E, Roan C, Asthana S, Herd P. Assessing Dementia Prevalence in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study: Cohort Profile, Protocol, and Preliminary Findings. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 81:751-768. [PMID: 33843672 PMCID: PMC10551824 DOI: 10.3233/jad-201422] [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 There is growing consensus that non-genetic determinants of dementia can be linked to various risk- and resiliency-enhancing factors accumulating throughout the lifespan, including socioeconomic conditions, early life experiences, educational attainment, lifestyle behaviors, and physical/mental health. Yet, the causal impact of these diverse factors on dementia risk remain poorly understood due to few longitudinal studies prospectively characterizing these influences across the lifespan. OBJECTIVE The Initial Lifespan's Impact on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ILIAD) study aims to characterize dementia prevalence in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), a 60-year longitudinal study documenting life course trajectories of educational, family, occupational, psychological, cognitive, and health measures. METHODS Participants are surveyed using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) to identify dementia risk. Those scoring below cutoff undergo home-based neuropsychological, physical/neurological, and functional assessments. Dementia diagnosis is determined by consensus panel and merged with existing WLS data for combined analysis. RESULTS Preliminary findings demonstrate the initial success of the ILIAD protocol in detecting dementia prevalence in the WLS. Increasing age, hearing issues, lower IQ, male sex, APOE4 positivity, and a steeper annualized rate of memory decline assessed in the prior two study waves, all increased likelihood of falling below the TICS-m cutoff for dementia risk. TICS-m scores significantly correlated with standard neuropsychological performance and functional outcomes. CONCLUSION We provide an overview of the WLS study, describe existing key lifespan variables relevant to studies of dementia and cognitive aging, detail the current WLS-ILIAD study protocol, and provide a first glimpse of preliminary study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. Williams
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin at Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cynthia M. Carlsson
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin at Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anne Fischer
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin at Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sterling C. Johnson
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin at Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kate Lange
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin at Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Eileen Partridge
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin at Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Carol Roan
- Department of Sociology, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Department of Sociology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sanjay Asthana
- Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin at Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Pamela Herd
- McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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18
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Dunn AR, Hadad N, Neuner SM, Zhang JG, Philip VM, Dumitrescu L, Hohman TJ, Herskowitz JH, O’Connell KMS, Kaczorowski CC. Identifying Mechanisms of Normal Cognitive Aging Using a Novel Mouse Genetic Reference Panel. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:562662. [PMID: 33042997 PMCID: PMC7517308 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.562662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing strategies to maintain cognitive health is critical to quality of life during aging. The basis of healthy cognitive aging is poorly understood; thus, it is difficult to predict who will have normal cognition later in life. Individuals may have higher baseline functioning (cognitive reserve) and others may maintain or even improve with age (cognitive resilience). Understanding the mechanisms underlying cognitive reserve and resilience may hold the key to new therapeutic strategies for maintaining cognitive health. However, reserve and resilience have been inconsistently defined in human studies. Additionally, our understanding of the molecular and cellular bases of these phenomena is poor, compounded by a lack of longitudinal molecular and cognitive data that fully capture the dynamic trajectories of cognitive aging. Here, we used a genetically diverse mouse population (B6-BXDs) to characterize individual differences in cognitive abilities in adulthood and investigate evidence of cognitive reserve and/or resilience in middle-aged mice. We tested cognitive function at two ages (6 months and 14 months) using y-maze and contextual fear conditioning. We observed heritable variation in performance on these traits (h 2 RIx̄ = 0.51-0.74), suggesting moderate to strong genetic control depending on the cognitive domain. Due to the polygenetic nature of cognitive function, we did not find QTLs significantly associated with y-maze, contextual fear acquisition (CFA) or memory, or decline in cognitive function at the genome-wide level. To more precisely interrogate the molecular regulation of variation in these traits, we employed RNA-seq and identified gene networks related to transcription/translation, cellular metabolism, and neuronal function that were associated with working memory, contextual fear memory, and cognitive decline. Using this method, we nominate the Trio gene as a modulator of working memory ability. Finally, we propose a conceptual framework for identifying strains exhibiting cognitive reserve and/or resilience to assess whether these traits can be observed in middle-aged B6-BXDs. Though we found that earlier cognitive reserve evident early in life protects against cognitive impairment later in life, cognitive performance and age-related decline fell along a continuum, with no clear genotypes emerging as exemplars of exceptional reserve or resilience - leading to recommendations for future use of aging mouse populations to understand the nature of cognitive reserve and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Dunn
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Niran Hadad
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | - Sarah M. Neuner
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ji-Gang Zhang
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States
| | | | - Logan Dumitrescu
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center and Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Timothy J. Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center and Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jeremy H. Herskowitz
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics and Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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19
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Walsemann KM, Ailshire JA. Early Educational Experiences and Trajectories of Cognitive Functioning Among US Adults in Midlife and Later. Am J Epidemiol 2020; 189:403-411. [PMID: 31907547 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Educational attainment is often considered the most important protective factor against cognitive impairment and dementia, yet significant variation in early educational experiences exists among midlife and older US adults. We used prospective data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) along with information on respondents' early educational experiences collected in the 2015 and 2017 HRS Life History Mail Survey to examine whether school context, educational content, and academic ability were associated with trajectories of cognitive functioning and whether educational attainment explains this relationship. We restricted our sample to age-eligible HRS Life History Mail Survey respondents who provided data on cognitive functioning at least once during 1998-2014 and attended primary school or higher (n = 9,565 respondents providing 62,037 person-period observations). Estimates from linear mixed models revealed that school context, educational content, and academic ability were significantly associated with level of cognitive functioning but not rate of cognitive decline. Educational attainment explained 9%-55% of the association between these early educational experiences and level of cognitive functioning; however, all relationships remained statistically significant. Our results suggest that educational experiences that span childhood and adolescence are independently related to level of cognitive functioning decades later.
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20
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Kim J. Are genes destiny? Exploring the role of intrauterine environment in moderating genetic influences on body mass. Am J Hum Biol 2019; 32:e23354. [PMID: 31702102 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Genes influence every aspect of human behavior, physiology, and health. Obesity, a major global public health concern, is no exception. However, relatively little is known about whether environmental factors moderate the effects of genetic influences on body mass. By incorporating molecular genetics and the fetal origins of obesity hypothesis into a gene-environment interaction framework, this study investigates how the effect of the obesity-associated gene (FTO) interacts with the effect of intrauterine environment to influence body mass during adulthood. METHODS This study uses data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, and uses sibling comparisons that allow for quasi-experimental variation in both genetic and environmental factors. RESULTS This study found positive, but noisy, within-family estimates of the FTO-body mass index (BMI) association. The association between birth weight and adult BMI was robust to controlling for unobserved family background factors. More importantly, this study revealed that the association between having a risk allele of the FTO gene and BMI (and obesity status) is largely concentrated among individuals who were heavier at birth. This provides evidence of a gene-environment interaction on BMI (and the development of obesity). CONCLUSIONS Genes are not destiny and environmental factors may offset the effects of obesity-promoting genes. Public health efforts to counteract genetic effects on body mass may begin as early as in utero. Efforts to prevent higher birth weight may thus help reduce the risk of obesity later in life, by directly addressing the programming effects of the in utero environment and also indirectly moderating obesity-promoting genetic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinho Kim
- Department of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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21
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Finch CE, Kulminski AM. The Alzheimer's Disease Exposome. Alzheimers Dement 2019; 15:1123-1132. [PMID: 31519494 PMCID: PMC6788638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2019.06.3914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Environmental factors are poorly understood in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. The importance of environmental factors in gene environment interactions (GxE) is suggested by wide individual differences in cognitive loss, even for carriers of AD-risk genetic variants. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We propose the "AD exposome" to comprehensively assess the modifiable environmental factors relevant to genetic underpinnings of cognitive aging and AD. Analysis of endogenous and exogenous environmental factors requires multi-generational consideration of these interactions over age and time (GxExT). New computational approaches to the multi-level complexities may identify accessible interventions for individual brain aging. International collaborations on diverse populations are needed to identify the most relevant exposures over the life course for GxE interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb E Finch
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Alexander M Kulminski
- Biodemography of Aging Research Unit, Social Science Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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22
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Dunn AR, O'Connell KMS, Kaczorowski CC. Gene-by-environment interactions in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 103:73-80. [PMID: 31207254 PMCID: PMC6700747 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) arise from complex interactions of genetic and environmental factors, with genetic variants regulating individual responses to environmental exposures (i.e. gene-by-environment interactions). Identifying gene-by-environment interactions will be critical to fully understanding disease mechanisms and developing personalized therapeutics, though these interactions are still poorly understood and largely under-studied. Candidate gene approaches have shown that known disease risk variants often regulate response to environmental factors. However, recent improvements in exposome- and genome-wide association and interaction studies in humans and mice are enabling discovery of novel genetic variants and pathways that predict response to a variety of environmental factors. Here, we highlight recent approaches and ongoing developments in human and rodent studies to identify genetic modulators of environmental factors using AD and PD as exemplars. Identifying gene-by-environment interactions in disease will be critical to developing personalized intervention strategies and will pave the way for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Dunn
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609, USA.
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Zaganas IV, Simos P, Basta M, Kapetanaki S, Panagiotakis S, Koutentaki I, Fountoulakis N, Bertsias A, Duijker G, Tziraki C, Scarmeas N, Plaitakis A, Boumpas D, Lionis C, Vgontzas AN. The Cretan Aging Cohort: Cohort Description and Burden of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2019; 34:23-33. [PMID: 30259758 PMCID: PMC10852504 DOI: 10.1177/1533317518802414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Our aim was to explore the burden of dementia in the Cretan Aging Cohort, comprised of 3140 persons aged ≥60 years (56.8% women, 5.8 ± 3.3 years formal education, 86.2% living in rural areas) who attended selected primary health-care facilities on the island of Crete, Greece. In the first study phase, a formal diagnosis of dementia had been reached in 4.0% of the participants. However, when selected 505 participants underwent thorough neuropsychiatric evaluation in the second phase of this study (344 with Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] <24 and 161 with MMSE ≥24), and results were extrapolated to the entire cohort, the prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment was estimated at 10.8% (9.7%-11.9%) and 32.4% (30.8%-34.0%), respectively. Using both the field diagnostic data and the extrapolated data, the highest dementia prevalence (27.2%) was found in the 80- to 84-year-old group, who also showed the lowest educational level, apparently due to lack of schooling during World War II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis V. Zaganas
- Neurology Department, Medical School, Heraklion, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Simos
- Psychiatry Department, University of Crete, Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Foundation of Research and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Basta
- Psychiatry Department, University of Crete, Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Stefania Kapetanaki
- Neurology Department, Medical School, Heraklion, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Symeon Panagiotakis
- Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Irini Koutentaki
- Psychiatry Department, University of Crete, Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Fountoulakis
- Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Antonios Bertsias
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - George Duijker
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Chariklia Tziraki
- Research Department, Community Elders Club, Melabev, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nikolaos Scarmeas
- Department of Social Medicine, Psychiatry and Neurology, 1st Neurology Clinic, Aiginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Plaitakis
- Neurology Department, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Internal Medicine Department, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Amin V, Dunn P, Spector T. Does education attenuate the genetic risk of obesity? Evidence from U.K. Twins. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2018; 31:200-208. [PMID: 30268046 PMCID: PMC6258335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
More education is associated with a lower body mass index (BMI) and likelihood of being obese. Obesity and BMI also have a strong genetic basis. Given these observations, we investigate whether more education can reduce obesity by attenuating the underlying genetic risk of being obese, through gene-environment (GxE) interactions. We estimate associations between (i) education, (ii) a genetic risk score (GRS) and (iii) GxE interactions between education and the GRS through Ordinary least Squares (OLS) and twins fixed-effect regressions using data on female twins from the TwinsUK database. OLS estimates show that there are significant associations of education and genetics. Female twins with a university education are 14.3 percentage points less likely to be obese compared to twins with less than compulsory education, and a 1 standard deviation increase in the GRS increases the likelihood of being obese by 5.2 percentage points. The GxE interactions are statistically insignificant, suggesting that the marginal association of the GRS with obesity does not differ by educational attainment. When controlling for confounding through twins fixed-effects, we find a smaller role of genetics. The association of the GRS with obesity decreases to 0.040. Associations of educational attainment are substantially reduced and insignificant. GxE interactions also remain insignificant. Overall, we find little evidence of any GxE interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikesh Amin
- Department of Economics, Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI, 48859, United States.
| | - Paul Dunn
- Department of Business Information Systems, Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, MI 4885, United States.
| | - Tim Spector
- Department of Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, Kings College London, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS, UK.
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Moorman SM, Carr K, Greenfield EA. Childhood socioeconomic status and genetic risk for poorer cognition in later life. Soc Sci Med 2018; 212:219-226. [PMID: 30048844 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The ε4 allele of the APOE gene is associated with poorer cognition in later life. This study aimed to advance understanding of how environments potentially moderate this genetic risk by focusing on childhood socioeconomic status (SES). Previous research across diverse national contexts has found that older adults from higher-SES families in childhood demonstrate better cognitive functioning than their lower-SES counterparts. Nevertheless, few studies have examined whether higher childhood SES might also promote later life cognition by mitigating the effects of ε4 carrier status. To address this gap, we used data from 3017 participants in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, which has followed a random sample of people who graduated from Wisconsin high schools in 1957. Childhood SES included parents' educational attainment, father's occupational status, and household income in adolescence. We constructed measures of memory and of language/executive functioning using scores from neurocognitive tests administered when participants were approximately ages 65 and 72. APOE ε4 status was measured through saliva samples. Results from cross-controlled multilevel models indicated that APOE ε4 status-and not childhood SES-independently predicted memory, whereas childhood SES-and not APOE ε4 status-independently predicted language/executive functioning. Moreover, a statistical interaction between APOE ε4 status and childhood SES for memory indicated that at baseline, higher childhood SES protected against the risk of APOE ε4 status, whereas lower childhood SES exacerbated the risk of APOE ε4 status. However, by follow-up, these moderating effects dissipated, and APOE ε4 status alone was associated with memory. We interpret these results in light of theorizing on differential susceptibility for poorer cognition across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kyle Carr
- Department of Sociology, Boston College, United States
| | - Emily A Greenfield
- School of Social Work Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, United States
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The Influence of Education and Apolipoprotein ε4 on Mortality in Community-Dwelling Elderly Men and Women. J Aging Res 2018; 2018:6037058. [PMID: 29770230 PMCID: PMC5889858 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6037058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the risk of death in relation to the apolipoprotein ε4 allele and evaluated how it interacts with education in 504 elderly adults (mean age 73 years, 65.3% women) who were enrolled in 1993 into the New Mexico Aging Process Study. During 9 years of follow-up, apolipoprotein ε2 appeared to be associated with a lower risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30-1.71) compared to apolipoprotein ε3 carriers in models adjusted for age, sociodemographic variables, medical conditions, adiposity, and lifestyle factors. The apolipoprotein ε4 allele conferred almost a threefold elevated risk of mortality (HR = 2.76, CI: 1.42-5.37). An interaction between education and apolipoprotein e4 (p=0.027) was observed with the HR of mortality among e4 carriers compared to noncarriers being 1.59 (0.64-3.96) for those with ≥college education; 6.66 (1.90-23.4) for those with some college or trade; and 14.1 (3.03-65.6) for participants with ≤high school education. No significant interaction was identified between apolipoprotein E genotype and cognitive function for mortality risk. These findings suggest that genetic (apolipoprotein ε4) and environmental (education) factors act interactively to influences survival in the elderly with higher education attenuating the adverse effect of apolipoprotein ε4 on mortality.
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Chapman BP, Benedict RHB, Lin F, Roy S, Porteinsson A, Szigeti K, Federoff H, Mapstone M. Apolipoprotein E genotype impact on memory and attention in older persons: the moderating role of personality phenotype. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 33:332-339. [PMID: 28612377 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if phenotypic personality traits modify the association of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes with different domains of cognitive function. DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHODS 172 non-demented older adults were administered the NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI), a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing memory, attention, executive function, language, and visuospatial ability, and underwent APOE genotyping. Multivariate (multiple-dependent variable) regression models predicting cognitive domains tested APOE interactions with personality traits, adjusting for age, sex, and education. RESULTS The APOE ε4 allele showed small to modest main effects on memory and executive function (1/3 SD deficits for carriers, p < .05), with ε2 status evidencing minimal and non-significant benefit. Neuroticism interacted with both ε2 and ε4 alleles in associations with attention scores (p = .001), with ε2 benefits and ε4 deficits being marked at high Neuroticism (Mean [M] covariate-adjusted Z-score = .39 for ε2, -.47 for ε4). The association of ε4 with memory was moderated by Conscientiousness (p < .001), such that ε4 memory deficits were apparent at low Conscientiousness (M = -.56), but absent at high levels of Conscientiousness. Weaker patterns (p < .05) also suggested ε4-related detriments in executive function only at lower Conscientiousness, and ε2 memory benefits only at higher Openness. CONCLUSIONS Conscientiousness and Neuroticism moderate APOE associations with memory and executive function. As such, they may be useful phenotypic markers in refining the prognostic significance of this polymorphism. Effect-modifying personality traits also provide clues about behavioral and psychological factors that influence the cognitive impact of APOE. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Chapman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
| | - Ralph H B Benedict
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Feng Lin
- School of Nursing and Departments of Psychiatry and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Shumita Roy
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Antoine Porteinsson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.,Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
| | - Kinga Szigeti
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York (SUNY), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Howard Federoff
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
| | - Mark Mapstone
- Irvine School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of California
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Elkana O, Dayman V, Franko M, Israel A, Springer RR, Segev S, Beeri MS. The association of total cholesterol with processing speed is moderated by age in mid- to late-age healthy adults. Exp Aging Res 2018; 44:179-186. [PMID: 29303427 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2017.1422585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the nature of the association of normal levels of total cholesterol with cognitive function and the contribution of age to this association. METHODS A sample of 61 senior executives, who were summoned for an annual medical examination with approximately four measurements of total cholesterol during 4 years, were examined with a computerized cognitive battery assessing mental processing speed as a sensitive measure of cognitive decline. We examined the association of total cholesterol with processing speed and the moderating effect of age on this association. RESULTS A multiple regression analysis yielded a significant interaction between cholesterol and age for processing speed (p = .045). In order to examine the source of the interaction, simple slope analysis was performed. A significant negative high correlation was found for young subjects (p = .021), while no significant correlation was observed at middle (p = .286) or older (p = .584) age. The difference in slopes was robust to adjustment for potential confounding factors, including body mass index, and fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS Within the normal range, higher total cholesterol levels were associated with better processing speed in younger ages and this association diminished with increasing age. Our findings highlight the important role of brain cholesterol in good cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odelia Elkana
- a Behavioral Sciences , Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Vitali Dayman
- a Behavioral Sciences , Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Motty Franko
- a Behavioral Sciences , Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - Ariel Israel
- b The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center , Tel Hashomer , Israel
| | | | - Shlomo Segev
- d Institute of Medical Screening , Sheba Medical Center Tel Hashomer , Ramat Gan , Israel
| | - Michal Schnaider Beeri
- b The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center , Tel Hashomer , Israel.,e The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , Department of Psychiatry , New York , NY , USA
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Herd P, Schaeffer NC, DiLoreto K, Jacques K, Stevenson J, Rey F, Roan C. The Influence of Social Conditions Across the Life Course on the Human Gut Microbiota: A Pilot Project With the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2017; 73:124-133. [PMID: 28444239 PMCID: PMC5926979 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbx029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To test the feasibility of collecting and integrating data on the gut microbiome into one of the most comprehensive longitudinal studies of aging and health, the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS). The long-term goal of this integration is to clarify the contribution of social conditions in shaping the composition of the gut microbiota late in life. Research on the microbiome, which is considered to be of parallel importance to human health as the human genome, has been hindered by human studies with nonrandomly selected samples and with limited data on social conditions over the life course. Methods No existing population-based longitudinal study had collected fecal specimens. Consequently, we created an in-person protocol to collect stool specimens from a subgroup of WLS participants. Results We collected 429 stool specimens, yielding a 74% response rate and one of the largest human samples to date. Discussion The addition of data on the gut microbiome to the WLS-and to other population based longitudinal studies of aging-is feasible, under the right conditions, and can generate innovative research on the relationship between social conditions and the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Herd
- Lafollette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | - Kerryann DiLoreto
- Lafollette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Karen Jacques
- Lafollette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - John Stevenson
- Lafollette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Federico Rey
- Lafollette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Carol Roan
- Lafollette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Cognition, Health, and Well-Being in a Rural Sub-Saharan African Population. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF POPULATION-REVUE EUROPEENNE DE DEMOGRAPHIE 2017; 34:637-662. [PMID: 30381778 DOI: 10.1007/s10680-017-9445-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive health is an important dimension of well-being in older ages, but few studies have investigated the demography of cognitive health in sub-Saharan Africa's (SSA) growing population of mature adults (= persons age 45+). We use data from the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH) to document the age and gender patterns of cognitive health, the contextual and life-course correlates of poor cognitive health, and the understudied linkages between cognitive and physical/mental well-being. Surprisingly, the age-pattern of decline in cognitive health is broadly similar to that observed in the U.S. We also find that women have substantially worse cognitive health than men, and experience a steeper age-gradient in cognitive ability. Strong social ties and exposure to socially complex environments are associated with higher cognitive health, as is higher socioeconomic status. Poor cognitive health is associated with adverse social and economic well-being outcomes such as less nutrition intake, lower income, and reduced work efforts even in this subsistence agriculture context. Lower levels of cognitive health are also strongly associated with increased levels of depression and anxiety, and are associated with worse physical health measured through both self-reports and physical performance. Our findings suggest that cognition plays a key-but understudied-role in shaping late-life well-being in low-income populations.
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Grytten J. The impact of education on dental health - Ways to measure causal effects. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2017; 45:485-495. [DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jostein Grytten
- Department of Community Dentistry; University of Oslo; Oslo Norway
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Frost HR, Shen L, Saykin AJ, Williams SM, Moore JH. Identifying significant gene-environment interactions using a combination of screening testing and hierarchical false discovery rate control. Genet Epidemiol 2016; 40:544-557. [PMID: 27578615 PMCID: PMC5108431 DOI: 10.1002/gepi.21997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although gene‐environment (G× E) interactions play an important role in many biological systems, detecting these interactions within genome‐wide data can be challenging due to the loss in statistical power incurred by multiple hypothesis correction. To address the challenge of poor power and the limitations of existing multistage methods, we recently developed a screening‐testing approach for G× E interaction detection that combines elastic net penalized regression with joint estimation to support a single omnibus test for the presence of G× E interactions. In our original work on this technique, however, we did not assess type I error control or power and evaluated the method using just a single, small bladder cancer data set. In this paper, we extend the original method in two important directions and provide a more rigorous performance evaluation. First, we introduce a hierarchical false discovery rate approach to formally assess the significance of individual G× E interactions. Second, to support the analysis of truly genome‐wide data sets, we incorporate a score statistic‐based prescreening step to reduce the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms prior to fitting the first stage penalized regression model. To assess the statistical properties of our method, we compare the type I error rate and statistical power of our approach with competing techniques using both simple simulation designs as well as designs based on real disease architectures. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of our approach to identify biologically plausible SNP‐education interactions relative to Alzheimer's disease status using genome‐wide association study data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).
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Affiliation(s)
- H Robert Frost
- Departments of Biomedical Data Science and Genetics, Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Li Shen
- Center for Neuroimaging and Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Center for Neuroimaging and Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Center, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Scott M Williams
- Departments of Biomedical Data Science and Genetics, Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Jason H Moore
- Departments of Biomedical Data Science and Genetics, Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.,Division of Informatics, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA
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Montez JK, Friedman EM. Educational attainment and adult health: under what conditions is the association causal? Soc Sci Med 2014; 127:1-7. [PMID: 25557617 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Karas Montez
- Department of Sociology, Case Western Reserve University, Mather Memorial Building 223D, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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