Exploring Epigenetic Clocks and Cognitive Change in Middle Adulthood
Author Information
Author(s): Zavala Daisy, Oravecz Zita, Graham-Engeland Jennifer, Engeland Christopher, Sliwinski Martin, Veeramah Krishna, Scott Stacey
Primary Institution: Stony Brook University and The Pennsylvania State University
Hypothesis
Does age acceleration affect cognitive performance and variability in midlife adults?
Conclusion
The study found that greater age acceleration is linked to more fluctuations in cognitive scores, while chronological age is associated with more forgetting in specific tasks.
Supporting Evidence
- Positive age acceleration is linked to worse cognitive performance.
- Greater age acceleration is associated with more fluctuations in cognitive scores.
- Chronological age is linked to more forgetting in cognitive tasks.
Takeaway
Older people might forget things more easily, but those whose bodies age faster than their years can have more ups and downs in their thinking skills.
Methodology
The study used a Bayesian Double Exponential Model to analyze longitudinal cognitive changes in midlife adults based on DNA methylation epigenetic clocks.
Limitations
The study does not clarify the reasons behind the opposing findings related to age acceleration and chronological age.
Participant Demographics
Diverse sample of midlife adults.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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