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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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The relationship between adiposity and cognitive function: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study in UK

Tom Norris1, Antoine Salzmann2, Albert Henry3,4

  • 1Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK.

International Journal of Epidemiology
|April 8, 2023
PubMed
Summary

The study found no causal link between adiposity and cognitive function in one direction. However, poorer visual memory may causally lead to lower body fat and body mass index.

Keywords:
CognitionMendelian randomizationadipositybidirectionalcohort

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Bidirectional relationship between cognition and adiposity suggested.
  • Poor cognition may increase adiposity, and vice versa.
  • Causality requires rigorous investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causal relationship between adiposity and cognitive function.
  • Utilize bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) for causal inference.
  • Examine associations in both directions: adiposity to cognition and cognition to adiposity.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized UK Biobank data from 378,877 participants.
  • Assessed three adiposity indicators: body fat percentage, BMI, and waist-hip ratio.
  • Measured two cognitive functions: reaction time and visual memory.
  • Employed bidirectional inverse-variance weighted MR analysis.

Main Results:

  • MR analyses from adiposity to cognition were directionally consistent with observational data but lacked statistical significance.
  • MR estimates for adiposity on reaction time were imprecise and inconsistent.
  • Poorer visual memory was consistently associated with lower adiposity indicators (body fat percentage, BMI).

Conclusions:

  • Observational links between adiposity and cognitive function are unlikely causal.
  • Evidence supports a causal effect of poorer visual memory on reduced adiposity.
  • Further research may elucidate complex bidirectional relationships.