Research Project
10205925
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Aging is the number one risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer?s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD); however, decline in old age may reflect experiences over the entire lifespan. Prior research shows how early-life experiences, such as education, have an influence on late-life cognitive performance and old- age or ADRD cognitive trajectories. Additional early-life factors that may exacerbate neurocognitive degeneration or ADRD risk include adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). An often unconsidered harm of ACEs is the potential risk it poses to brain development and later-life cognitive impairment. ACEs are defined as traumatic childhood events (e.g., abuse, deprivation or neglect, and household challenges). Findings linking ACE exposure to future brain health and disease is concerning given the high prevalence of ACEs. Brain derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) are also linked to brain and cognitive health, with evidence that aging and neurological diseases reduce the levels of BDNF. Low levels of BDNF in women have been linked to cognitive impairments, depression, and Alzheimer?s disease; however, direct connections between cognitive function and BDNF have yet to be examined. It is unknown how levels of BDNF are impacted by the process of aging and traumatic experiences or how they relate to cognitive testing. Thus, in order to disentangle the contribution of age and ACEs on brain health, it is essential to determine whether ACE-related patterns of cognitive deficits are detectable on neuropsychological testing and whether they relate to BDNF levels among different age cohorts with and without trauma history. Such data will help us understand the relationship between performance-based vs. biologic indicators of brain function across ages. To begin to fill this knowledge gap, the proposed study will leverage findings from an ongoing study of ACEs and neurotrophins in a middle-aged sample to address the following aims: Aim 1: To characterize/define cognitive performance across the emerging and older adult cohorts stratified by ACEs, and Aim 2: To characterize/define BDNF levels across the two unexplored age cohorts stratified by ACEs. Using an observational cohort design, 100 adults?50 emerging adults and 50 older adults?will be recruited for the proposed study. Independent groups will be matched by exposure to ACEs and other key covariates (e.g., education). Participant?s eligibility will be assessed via an online screening questionnaire (and for older adults, an additional in-lab screening prior to beginning the assessment) where eligibility criteria will be confirmed. Those who are eligible and willing to participate will be invited to enroll in the study. Enrolled participants will then have blood drawn prior to completing a computer based cognitive assessment (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics and NIH-Toolbox Cognitive Battery). This study is an innovative investigation that will have important public health implications. If funded, this study has the ability to identify novel risk factors (e.g., neurocognitive profiles and/or brain substrates) as intervention targets to protect brain health and to promote healthy aging across the lifespan.
