Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2025
09:17
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
21.6K
Facial aging, cognitive impairment, and dementia risk
Xinming Xu1, Guliyeerke Jigeer1, David Andrew Gunn2
1Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, School of Public Health, Institute of Nutrition, Fudan University, 130 Dongan Road, Shanghai, 200030, China.
Alzheimer'S Research & Therapy
|November 7, 2024
Summary
Older adults who appear older than their age face a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Facial aging may serve as an early indicator for these age-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Facial aging, cognitive impairment, and dementia are common age-related conditions.
- The link between perceived facial age and future dementia risk has not been thoroughly studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between facial age (subjective and objective) and the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank (UKB) data (195,329 participants, ≥60 years) for perceived facial age and dementia risk.
- Employed Nutrition and Health of Aging Population in China Project (NHAPC) data (612 participants, ≥56 years) for objective facial age assessment.
- Applied Cox proportional hazards models and regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders.
Main Results:
- In UKB, higher perceived facial age correlated with a 1.61-fold increased risk of dementia (HR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.33–1.96).
- In NHAPC, objective facial aging (wrinkle parameters) was linked to higher odds of cognitive impairment (e.g., crow's feet: OR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.06–5.78).
Conclusions:
- Advanced facial aging is associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
- Facial aging may serve as a potential biomarker for early detection and management of cognitive decline in older adults.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Dementia
97
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
97
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
58
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,...
58
01:26Aging
37
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
37
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
449
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
449
01:19The Effect of Aging on Tissues
2.1K
Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
2.1K
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
24
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
24