Dataset Information

Genetic Underpinnings of Increased BMI and Its Association With Late Midlife Cognitive Abilities.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: First, we test for differences in various cognitive abilities across trajectories of body mass index (BMI) over the later life course. Second, we examine whether genetic risk factors for unhealthy BMIs-assessed via polygenic risk scores (PRS)-predict cognitive abilities in late-life. Methods: The study used a longitudinal sample of Vietnam veteran males to explore the associations between BMI trajectories, measured across four time points, and later cognitive abilities. The sample of 977 individuals was drawn from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. Cognitive abilities evaluated included executive function, abstract reasoning, episodic memory, processing speed, verbal fluency, and visual spatial ability. Multilevel linear regression models were used to estimate the associations between BMI trajectories and cognitive abilities. Then, BMI PRS was added to the models to evaluate polygenic associations with cognitive abilities. Results: There were no significant differences in cognitive ability between any of the BMI trajectory groups. There was a significant inverse relationship between BMI-PRS and several cognitive ability measures. Discussion: While no associations emerged for BMI trajectories and cognitive abilities at the phenotypic levels, BMI PRS measures did correlate with key cognitive domains. Our results suggest possible polygenic linkages cutting across key components of the central and peripheral nervous system.

SUBMITTER: Xian H

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7268925 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Genetic Underpinnings of Increased BMI and Its Association With Late Midlife Cognitive Abilities.

Xian Hong H Boutwell Brian B Reynolds Chandra A CA Lew Daphne D Logue Mark M Gustavson Daniel E DE Kavish Nicholas N Panizzon Matthew S MS Tu Xin X Toomey Rosemary R Puckett Olivia K OK Elman Jeremy A JA Jacobson Kristen C KC Lyons Michael J MJ Kremen William S WS Franz Carol E CE

Gerontology & geriatric medicine 20200101

<b>Objectives:</b> First, we test for differences in various cognitive abilities across trajectories of body mass index (BMI) over the later life course. Second, we examine whether genetic risk factors for unhealthy BMIs-assessed via polygenic risk scores (PRS)-predict cognitive abilities in late-life. <b>Methods:</b> The study used a longitudinal sample of Vietnam veteran males to explore the associations between BMI trajectories, measured across four time points, and later cognitive abilities. ...[more]

PMID: 32537479

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Dataset Information

Genetic Underpinnings of Increased BMI and Its Association With Late Midlife Cognitive Abilities.

Publications

Genetic Underpinnings of Increased BMI and Its Association With Late Midlife Cognitive Abilities.

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