HealthGenetics shape brain aging: New findings from Edinburgh study

Genetics shape brain aging: New findings from Edinburgh study

In the latest publication in "Genomic Psychiatry," scientists from the University of Edinburgh presented the results of a multi-year study on brain aging from 11 to 82 years of age. These findings significantly change our understanding of the influence of genetics on this process.

Scientists studied the impact of genes on brain aging
Scientists studied the impact of genes on brain aging
Images source: © Getty Images, x.com

11:01 AM EST, November 9, 2024

The research revealed significant differences in how the brain ages in different people, both in terms of structure and function. More than half of the differences in intelligence in older individuals result from genetic predispositions and reflect discrepancies already present in childhood.

Prof. Ian Deary, the publication's author, points out: "What's particularly fascinating is that even after seven decades, we found correlations of about 0.7 between childhood and older-age cognitive scores." This means that slightly less than half of the variability in intelligence in old age was already present at age 11.

Researchers also noted that genes operate differently in childhood and old age. Individuals who are more intelligent in their youth tend to live longer, and the risk of death is linked to changes in the activity of specific genes.

Scottish studies challenge previous beliefs

The project was based on data from unique Scottish studies from 1932 and 1947, covering nearly all children born in 1921 and 1936. This extensive database allowed tracking cognitive changes throughout the participants' lives, revealing patterns previously unavailable to science.

The study's results prompt consideration of the factors influencing brain aging and whether they can be affected through lifestyle interventions. Scientists plan to investigate how cognitive abilities in childhood influence lifestyle choices, the role environmental factors play in maintaining cognitive abilities, and whether interventions in middle age can help preserve cognitive functions in later years.

We've learned that what we often assume are 'causes' of cognitive decline in older age are sometimes actually 'outcomes' of earlier cognitive differences — emphasizes Dr. Simon Cox.
© essanews.com
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.