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Human Genetics01:28

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Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
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Biological Influences on Intelligence01:30

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Intelligence is often thought to be linked to brain size, but the relationship is more complex than that. While brain size does correlate modestly with some abilities, like verbal skills, the connection is weaker for others, such as spatial reasoning. Other factors, like brain structure, also play crucial roles. For instance, despite Einstein's smaller-than-average brain, his parietal cortex, which is involved in spatial reasoning, was 15% wider, suggesting that neural density might matter...
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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
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Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:  
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Obesity01:24

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The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in...
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Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

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Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children...
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Generalized Psychophysiological Interaction PPI Analysis of Memory Related Connectivity in Individuals at Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
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Adiposity impacts cognitive function in Asian populations: an epidemiological and Mendelian Randomization study.

Theresia Mina1, Yik Weng Yew1,2, Hong Kiat Ng1

  • 1Nanyang Technological University Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Level 18 Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore.

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Obesity, particularly visceral fat and high BMI, is linked to cognitive decline in Asians. This suggests a causal relationship, highlighting the need to address obesity for brain health.

Keywords:
AdiposityAgingAsiaCardiovascular risk factorsCognitive functionDEXAGeneral cognitionMendelian RandomizationMetabolic syndromeVisceral adiposity

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Metabolic Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Obesity and metabolic disorders are rising globally, especially in Asia.
  • These conditions are known risk factors for future cognitive decline and dementia.
  • Investigating the link between adiposity and cognition in Asian populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of adiposity and metabolic risk on cognitive function in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort.
  • To utilize epidemiological analysis and Mendelian Randomization (MR) to explore causal relationships.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 8769 participants from the Health for Life in Singapore (HELIOS) Study (2018-2021).
  • Assessment of whole-body fat mass (DEXA) and general cognition using a computerized battery.
  • Regression and MR analyses investigating adiposity (BMI, VAT, WHR) and metabolic factors (lipids, glucose, blood pressure) in relation to cognitive function.

Main Results:

  • Reduced general cognition was associated with increased visceral fat mass index and lower HDL cholesterol.
  • Higher visceral fat, BMI, and WHR were causally linked to reduced cognition via MR.
  • MR did not support causal links between blood pressure, lipid, or glycemic indices and cognition.

Conclusions:

  • Adiposity, specifically visceral fat and elevated BMI, is independently and causally associated with poorer cognitive function in Asians.
  • Findings underscore the importance of managing obesity to preserve cognitive health in the Asia-Pacific region.