Retinal microvascular features and cognitive change in the Lothian-Birth Cohort 1936.
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ABSTRACT: Introduction
We test whether measures of the retinal vasculature are associated with cognitive functioning and cognitive change.Methods
Retinal images from a narrow-age cohort were analyzed using Vessel Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina, producing a comprehensive range of quantitative measurements of the retinal vasculature, at mean age 72.5 years (SD = 0.7). Cognitive ability and change were measured using a battery of multiple measures of memory, visuospatial, processing speed, and crystallized cognitive abilities at mean ages 73, 76, and 79 years. We applied multivariate growth curve models to test the association between retinal vascular measurements with cognitive abilities and their changes.Results
Almost all associations were nonsignificant. In our most parsimonious model, venular asymmetry factor was associated with speed at age 73.Discussion
Our null findings suggest that the quantitative retinal parameters applied in this study are not significantly associated with cognitive functioning or cognitive change.
SUBMITTER: McGrory S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6625967 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:BACKGROUND:The DNA methylation-based 'epigenetic clock' correlates strongly with chronological age, but it is currently unclear what drives individual differences. We examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the epigenetic clock and four mortality-linked markers of physical and mental fitness: lung function, walking speed, grip strength and cognitive ability. METHODS:DNA methylation-based age acceleration (residuals of the epigenetic clock estimate regressed on chronological age) were estimated in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 at ages 70 (n?=?920), 73 (n?=?299) and 76 (n?=?273) years. General cognitive ability, walking speed, lung function and grip strength were measured concurrently. Cross-sectional correlations between age acceleration and the fitness variables were calculated. Longitudinal change in the epigenetic clock estimates and the fitness variables were assessed via linear mixed models and latent growth curves. Epigenetic age acceleration at age 70 was used as a predictor of longitudinal change in fitness. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) were conducted on the four fitness measures. RESULTS:Cross-sectional correlations were significant between greater age acceleration and poorer performance on the lung function, cognition and grip strength measures (r range: -0.07 to -0.05, P range: 9.7?x?10(-3) to 0.024). All of the fitness variables declined over time but age acceleration did not correlate with subsequent change over 6 years. There were no EWAS hits for the fitness traits. CONCLUSIONS:Markers of physical and mental fitness are associated with the epigenetic clock (lower abilities associated with age acceleration). However, age acceleration does not associate with decline in these measures, at least over a relatively short follow-up.
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