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IDE (rs6583817) polymorphism and type 2 diabetes differentially modify executive function in older adults
G Peggy McFall1, Sandra A Wiebe, David Vergote
1Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Neurobiology of Aging
|April 20, 2013
Summary
This study examined how a specific insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) gene variant and type 2 diabetes (T2D) affect cognitive function in older adults. The IDE major allele appears to protect against cognitive decline over time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a known risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
- A specific polymorphism in the insulin degrading enzyme (IDE; rs6583817) gene has shown promise in influencing risk.
- Understanding the interplay between T2D, IDE variants, and cognitive function is crucial for aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and interactive effects of the IDE gene variant (rs6583817) and T2D on executive function.
- To analyze these effects both concurrently and longitudinally in aging adults.
- To determine if the IDE variant influences normal cognitive aging or T2D-related cognitive changes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study comparing normal aging and T2D groups (n=574, ages 53-95) over two waves (4.4-year interval).
- Utilized confirmatory factor analysis, latent growth curve modeling, and path analysis.
- Defined executive function using a single-factor model of four cognitive tasks.
Main Results:
- The IDE variant (rs6583817) predicted concurrent differences and longitudinal changes in executive function.
- The major allele (G) of the IDE variant was associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- T2D predicted executive function performance only at baseline (concurrently).
- While both T2D and IDE influenced executive function levels, only IDE moderated cognitive change over the two-wave period.
Conclusions:
- Both T2D and the IDE gene variant are linked to executive function in older adults.
- The IDE variant, particularly its major allele, may offer a protective effect against cognitive decline.
- This IDE variant warrants further investigation for its role in the cognitive phenotypes of normal aging and T2D-related changes.
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