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Conscientiousness is associated with less amyloid deposition in cognitively normal aging
Bora Yoon1, Suzanne L Baker2, Deniz Korman3
1Department of Neurology.
Psychology and Aging
|November 9, 2020
Summary
High conscientiousness may protect against Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers. This study found lower beta-amyloid accumulation in cognitively normal individuals with higher conscientiousness scores.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The relationship between personality traits and Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers is not well understood.
- Existing research on personality and AD biomarkers shows inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between personality traits and beta-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation in cognitively normal aging.
- To determine if specific personality factors are linked to early AD pathology.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 129 cognitively normal participants.
- Personality assessed using the Big Five Inventory (BFI).
- Brain Aβ deposition measured via [11C] Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.
Main Results:
- Conscientiousness showed a significant negative association with global PiB distribution volume ratio (DVR) (p = .031).
- Higher conscientiousness scores correlated with lower Aβ deposition.
- Other Big Five traits (agreeableness, extraversion, neuroticism, openness) were not associated with Aβ levels.
Conclusions:
- Conscientiousness may play a protective role against Aβ accumulation in the aging brain.
- These findings suggest potential mechanisms linking personality to AD risk, requiring further investigation.
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