Cognitive Reserve and Alzheimer's Genetic Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Pettigrew Corinne, Soldan Anja, Wang Jiangxia, Gross Alden, Hohman Timothy, Davatzikos Christos, Erus Guray, Albert Marilyn
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Higher levels of cognitive reserve mitigate the effects of Alzheimer's disease genetic risk on cognitive and brain health.
Conclusion
The study found that higher cognitive reserve can reduce the negative impact of certain Alzheimer's genetic risks on cognitive decline and brain atrophy.
Supporting Evidence
- APOE-ε4 was linked to declines in cognitive measures and greater brain atrophy.
- Higher cognitive reserve was associated with reduced cognitive decline related to APOE-ε4.
- AD-PRS was linked to declines in executive function and global cognition.
Takeaway
If you have a lot of knowledge and skills, it might help protect your brain from problems caused by genes linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Methodology
The study used mixed-effects models to analyze cognitive and brain health data over time in individuals with normal cognition.
Participant Demographics
Middle-aged and older individuals with normal cognition at baseline.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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