Distinctive Brain Aging Patterns and Risk Factors in Middle- to Old-aged Men and Women
Poster No:
1183
Submission Type:
Abstract Submission
Authors:
aram cho1, MAITHREYEE DEVI2, Song E Kim3, Hyang Woon Lee3
Institutions:
1Ewha womans university, Seoul, seoul, 2EWHA Womans University Mokdong Hospital, 1071, Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, 3Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
First Author:
Co-Author(s):
Introduction:
There have been clear evidences that the trajectory of brain aging exhibits variations based on gender. However, distinct brain regions related to aging and their sex differences have not well-documented yet. Moreover, there are discernible differences between sexes in the clinical risk factors influencing brain atrophy and/or cognitive decline by aging have not been understood so far. This study aims to underscore the impacts of modifiable risk factors in brain atrophy and cognitive impairment in middle-to-old-aged general population, with the emphasis on sex differences between men and women.
Methods:
A total of 1,227 participants between the ages of 49 to 80 were enrolled in the Korean genome and epidemiology study (KoGES), which provided the data for this population-based cohort study. The comprehensive evaluator methods including biochemical, metabolic, psychiatric assessment as well as whole night polysomnography & T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Sleep habits by sleep efficiency (%) scores and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) for depressive symptoms. Physical activity was evaluated using metabolic equivalent of task (METs) to assess intensity. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was utilized to interaction effects, with the aim of discerning potential sex differences in the process of brain aging. In addition, mediation analyses were performed after adjusting demographic and clinical factors to find out the mediating effects of each risk factor in between age-associated cognitive decline in each sex.
Results:
Risk factors in cognitive decline for females are physical activity, sleep deficiency, depression, and menopausal changes. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) demonstrated a reduction in central cingulate cortex volume in post-menopausal compared to menopausal and pre-menopausal groups. Additionally, simple mediation model highlighted, age had direct effects on executive function tests, with indirect path via Sleep efficiency and depressive symptoms (BDI) respectively. Similarly, physical activity, as a mediator showed significant indirect effects in age related gray matter volume changes. In males, the change in cognitive function according to aging does not differ by education level, while for female, the group of under middle school and graduate showed a steep decline in cognitive function in the age of 65 or older.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest risk factors for accelerated brain aging in female. More specifically females are more vulnerable to early brain aging attributable to factors such as physical activity, sleep deprivation, menopausal transition and psychological, education level influences. These changes highlight the significance of improving lifestyle choices and identifying factors for preserve brain health in each sex.
Disorders of the Nervous System:
Neurodegenerative/ Late Life (eg. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s) 2
Lifespan Development:
Aging 1
Novel Imaging Acquisition Methods:
Anatomical MRI
Perception, Attention and Motor Behavior:
Sleep and Wakefulness
Keywords:
Aging
Cognition
Other - sex, female
1|2Indicates the priority used for review
·graphic abstract
Provide references using author date format
• Armstrong N.M. (2019). 'Sex differences in brain aging and predictors of neurodegeneration in cognitively healthy older adult'. Neurobiol Aging. vol. 81, pp.146-156
• Murphy, D.G. (1996). ‘Sex differences in human brain morphometry and metabolism: an in vivo quantitative magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography study on the effect of aging’. Archives of general psychiatry, Vol. 53, no. 7, pp. 585-594.