Examining the Role of Neuroticism Polygenic Risk in Late Life Cognitive Change: A UK Biobank Study
Niki Akbarian1,2, Mahbod Ebrahimi1,2, Fernanda C Dos Santos1
1Tanenbaum Centre for Pharmacogenetics, Molecular Brain Science, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada.
Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 26, 2024
Summary
Genetic predisposition to neuroticism may protect against cognitive decline in processing speed, visual attention, and memory. Higher neuroticism risk scores were linked to slower decline in these cognitive functions in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive decline affects millions globally, with neuroticism linked to increased risk.
- Biological mechanisms underlying the association between neuroticism and cognitive decline are not well understood.
- Investigating genetic predisposition offers insights into these mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between genetic predisposition to neuroticism and cognitive performance.
- To assess how neuroticism polygenic risk score (PRS) influences cognitive domains over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data from over 10,000 individuals aged 60+.
- Calculated neuroticism polygenic risk score (PRS) based on genetic data.
- Assessed cognitive functions (reasoning, processing speed, visual attention, memory) cross-sectionally and longitudinally over seven years.
Main Results:
- Neuroticism PRS showed no cross-sectional association with cognitive measures.
- A higher neuroticism PRS was significantly associated with a slower rate of decline in processing speed, visual attention, and memory.
- This protective trend for cognitive decline persisted in sensitivity analyses, particularly for visual attention.
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition to neuroticism may have a protective effect on cognitive trajectories, specifically in processing speed, visual attention, and memory.
- Findings suggest complex genetic influences on the relationship between personality traits and cognitive aging.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the biological pathways involved.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
61
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
61
01:28Human Genetics
536
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.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
536
01:29Personality Theory by Eysenck and Eysenck
390
Hans and Sybil Eysenck developed a widely recognized theory of personality, which emphasizes the role of temperament and genetically based differences in shaping individual traits. Their theory posits that biological factors primarily determine personality and can be understood through two main dimensions: extroversion/introversion and neuroticism/stability.
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
In the extroversion/introversion dimension, highly extroverted people are sociable, outgoing, and easily connect with others. In contrast,...
390
01:30Introduction to Biological Bases of Psychology
3.2K
Biopsychology serves as a vital bridge connecting the intricate domains of biology and psychology, shedding light on how biological systems influence psychological phenomena. This field scrutinizes the biological substrates of behavior and mental processes, emphasizing the nervous system along with the roles of neurotransmitters, hormones, and genetics. It also incorporates evolutionary perspectives to explain the adaptive nature of mental functions.
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...
The nervous system, the cornerstone of...
3.2K
01:22Traits, Mood, and Subjective Wellbeing
62
Subjective well-being (SWB) refers to an individual's self-evaluation of their overall life satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment. This multifaceted construct is typically assessed by analyzing the balance of positive and negative emotions alongside perceptions of life satisfaction. Personality traits such as neuroticism and extraversion are strongly associated with variations in SWB, offering critical insights into the underlying mechanisms of emotional well-being.
Neuroticism and...
Neuroticism and...
62
01:27Horney's Sociocultural Approach
463
Karen Horney's psychoanalytic theories emphasize the potential for self-realization and the importance of addressing social and cultural, rather than biological, factors in personality development. She challenged traditional Freudian views, particularly Freud's concept of "penis envy," which she argued stemmed from cultural influences rather than inherent biological differences. Horney believed that any sense of inferiority in women was a result of societal conditioning, such as...
463