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Published on: February 14, 2014
Genetic variance in processing speed drives variation in aging of spatial and memory abilities
Deborah Finkel1, Chandra A Reynolds, John J McArdle
1Department of Psychology, Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN 47150, USA. dfinkel@ius.edu
Developmental Psychology
|May 6, 2009
Summary
Genetic factors influence how processing speed and cognitive abilities change with age. Declines in processing speed may precede changes in spatial and memory abilities, supporting cognitive aging theories.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research suggests genetic influences on the relationship between age-related declines in processing speed and cognitive abilities.
- Understanding the temporal dynamics of these genetic influences is crucial for cognitive aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal genetic covariance between aging trajectories of processing speed and cognitive abilities using the biometric dual change score model.
- To determine if processing speed changes predict subsequent changes in other cognitive abilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized longitudinal twin data from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA).
- Included 806 participants aged 50-88 at baseline with up to 5 measurement occasions over 16 years.
- Applied the biometric dual change score model to analyze genetic influences on change over time.
Main Results:
- Genetic variance in processing speed was found to be a leading indicator of age-related changes in spatial ability and memory.
- This suggests a directional genetic influence where processing speed impacts other cognitive domains over time.
- The findings support processing speed theories of cognitive aging.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors play a significant role in the co-development of processing speed and cognitive abilities throughout aging.
- Processing speed may act as a key determinant in the trajectory of cognitive aging, particularly for spatial and memory functions.
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