Genetic Risk Score Predicts Late-Life Cognitive Impairment.
Mariegold E Wollam1, Andrea M Weinstein2, Judith A Saxton3
1Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Sennott Square, 3rd Floor, 210 South Bouquet Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
Journal of Aging Research
|September 15, 2015
Summary
A combined genetic risk score, including BDNF, COMT, and APOE alleles, significantly increases the risk of late-life cognitive impairment. This score offers better prediction than individual gene variants for Alzheimer's disease risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Cognitive Aging
Background:
- Family history is a key Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factor.
- Understanding combined genetic risk from multiple alleles is crucial but limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if a genetic risk score predicts cognitive impairment.
- To evaluate the score's predictive power beyond individual gene polymorphisms (BDNF, COMT, APOE).
Main Methods:
- Developed a genetic risk score from BDNF, COMT, and APOE risk alleles.
- Evaluated 95 older adults using neuropsychological testing.
- Used logistic regression to analyze the score's association with cognitive impairment.
Main Results:
- An elevated genetic risk score showed a nearly 4-fold increased risk of cognitive impairment (OR = 3.824, P = .013).
- The score remained significant even when accounting for individual gene polymorphisms.
Conclusions:
- A cumulative genetic risk score may enhance prediction of late-life cognitive impairment.
- Combining multiple genetic risk factors provides a more comprehensive risk assessment for cognitive decline.
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