New Study Uncovers Genetic and Modifiable Risk Factors Affecting Brain Health
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature, researchers have shed light on the interplay between genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors impacting brain health. Led by Jordi Manuello and his team, this research investigates the effects of various risk factors on brain regions vulnerable to ageing and disease.
The study, conducted with nearly 40,000 participants from the UK Biobank, identifies a network of higher-order brain regions particularly susceptible to the ageing process, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Through genome-wide analysis, the researchers uncovered significant associations between this vulnerable brain network and seven genetic clusters linked to cardiovascular deaths, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. Notably, genetic variants in the XG blood group, located in the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosomes, were also found to play a role.
Furthermore, the study highlights the impact of modifiable risk factors on brain health. Diabetes, nitrogen dioxide (a proxy for traffic-related air pollution), and alcohol intake frequency emerged as the most detrimental factors affecting the vulnerable brain network. By examining these risk factors collectively, the researchers were able to discern their unique contributions beyond the influence of age and sex.
The findings underscore the complex interaction between genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices in shaping brain health. Notably, certain genetic clusters were associated with immune response, tau pathology, metal transport, and vascular dysfunction, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms of brain ageing and disease.
This research opens avenues for further exploration into the role of genetic and environmental factors in unhealthy ageing, paving the way for targeted interventions to preserve brain health and mitigate the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The paper ‘The effects of genetic and modifiable risk factors on brain regions vulnerable to ageing and disease’ is published in Nature Communications.
