Common genetic factors influence hand strength, processing speed, and working memory.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is important to detect cognitive decline at an early stage, especially before onset of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Processing speed and working memory are aspects of cognitive function that are associated with cognitive decline. Hand strength is an inexpensive, easily measurable indicator of cognitive decline. However, associations between hand strength, processing speed, and working memory have not been studied. In addition, the genetic and environmental structure of the association between hand strength and cognitive decline is unclear. We investigated phenotypic associations between hand strength, processing speed, and working memory and examined the genetic and environmental structure of the associations between phenotypes.

Methods

Hand strength

SUBMITTER: Ogata S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3872522 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature