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Genetic Influences on Functional Capacities in Aging.

Andrea D Foebel¹, Nancy L Pedersen²

¹Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. andrea.foebel@ki.se.

The Gerontologist

|March 20, 2016

Summary

Genetic factors influence physical function in older adults, with heritability estimates between 30-60%. However, specific genes impacting functional capacity remain poorly understood, hindering comparative research.

Keywords:

Assessment of conditions/people Function/mobility Genetics Health Heritability

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Genetics
Human Physiology

Background:

Aging populations exhibit significant heterogeneity in functional capacities.
Genetic factors are recognized as important contributors to individual differences in aging outcomes.
The specific role of genetics in the variation and progression of physical functional capacities during aging is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review existing evidence on the influence of genetic factors on physical functional capacities in older adults.
To identify current knowledge gaps and challenges in understanding the genetic basis of aging-related functional decline.

Main Methods:

A rapid review of scientific literature was performed.
Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, AgeLine, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
Keywords included genetics, genotype, polymorphism, physical/functional performance, functional capacity, activities of daily living, older, and elderly, with 118 articles selected for review.

Main Results:

Heritability estimates for objective measures of physical function in older twins range from 30% to 60%.
Evidence directly linking specific genes to functional capacities in aging is limited.
Some candidate genes potentially associated with functional capacity have been identified.

Conclusions:

Currently, no definitive candidate genes have been established for functional capacities in older age.
Emerging methodologies are providing new insights into genetic influences on overall physical function in the elderly.
The diversity in measurement methods for functional capacity complicates the comparison and synthesis of evidence.