Newly identified biomarkers may detect early cognitive decline via blood
For some individuals, extreme stressors such as psychiatric disorders or childhood neglect and abuse can have long-term health implications. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease can develop later in life as a result. A recent study conducted by researchers at the Penn State Center for Healthy Aging has identified genetic indicators that may predict another health issue related to these stressors: the decline of cognitive abilities.
The findings of this study have been published in Neurobiology of Stress, shedding light on the connection between extreme stressors and cognitive decline. According to the researchers, not everyone who experiences maltreatment during childhood or has a psychiatric disorder will face health problems later in life. However, for those affected by these stressors, cells within their bodies age at a faster rate, leading to what is known as accelerated biological aging.
As individuals age naturally, cognitive functions naturally decline, including memory, reasoning, executive function, and processing speed. Previous research conducted by scientists worldwide has produced mixed results regarding whether accelerated biological aging triggers cognitive decline at an earlier age. While one study from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry established a connection, another study led by researchers at Emory University concluded that no such connection exists.
In their research published in Neurobiology of Stress, the Penn State team examined two separate population samples. Through their analysis, they discovered that accelerated biological aging may serve as a biomarker for cognitive decline. This discovery paves the way for the development of treatments aimed at improving the health of individuals who have experienced extreme stressors.
John Felt, the lead author of the study and an assistant research professor in the Center for Healthy Aging, highlighted the significance of understanding the link between accelerated biological aging and cognitive decline. Such understanding may aid researchers in creating interventions that enhance the well-being of individuals impacted by extreme stressors.
Identifying genetic markers that can help detect various health issues resulting from extreme stressors is a primary focus for scientists. The ability to identify these issues at an early stage is crucial for effective treatment and prevention, according to Felt. Currently, researchers are in the early phase of addressing the problem of cognitive decline, which involves three stages: identification, treatment, and prevention.
Early detection of cognitive decline is possible years before it significantly impacts an individual’s quality of life, according to prior research. This extended period provides an opportunity for proactive identification and intervention.
To conduct their study, the researchers utilized blood samples and medical data collected from previous studies. Specifically, they examined the relationship between potential genetic indicators of cognitive performance, cognitive performance testing data, and instances of psychiatric disorders or childhood maltreatment. The data was derived from two different studies: the Female Growth and Development Study (FGDS) conducted at Penn State, and the Biological Classification of Mental Disorders (BeCOME) conducted at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Germany. The FGDS dataset consisted of information from 86 women in the United States aged between 29 and 45, while the BeCOME dataset included data from 313 women and men in Germany aged between 18 and 66.
Through data modeling, the researchers successfully demonstrated that accelerated biological aging could predict lower cognitive ability and reduced processing speed. However, the specific genetic indicators establishing this relationship varied between the FGDS and BeCOME datasets.
Felt suggested that the differing genetic indicators could be attributed to variations in the methodologies of the two studies. The FGDS cohort covered a narrower age range of 16 years, potentially rendering it less sensitive to the indicator that proved effective in the broader BeCOME sample. Felt also emphasized that other factors, such as differences in racial composition, could contribute to the disparate outcomes.
Felt furthered his statement by stating that his prior collaborations in this field primarily focused on individuals who experienced childhood sexual abuse. However, the current study demonstrates that this phenomenon extends to individuals with psychiatric conditions. The findings suggest that blood tests could be developed for the early identification of cognitive decline. Eventually, personalized treatments could support cognitive function in individuals experiencing accelerated biological aging.
Contributors to this research included scientists from Penn State, such as Karra Harrington, Zhenyu Zach Zhang, Martin Sliwinski, and Chad Shenk. Additionally, researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany, including Natan Yusupov, Julia Fietz Max, the BeCOME Working Group, and Elisabeth Binder, were also involved. Other contributors from institutions such as Stanford University, Yale University, McGill University, the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and the University of Rochester participated in this research.
The National Institutes of Health provided support for this study.
In conclusion, the newly identified biomarkers for cognitive decline offer promising prospects for early detection and intervention. As scientists delve deeper into understanding the intricate connections between extreme stressors, genetic indicators, and cognitive decline, personalized treatments may soon be developed to support individuals affected by accelerated biological aging.
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