Department of Family and Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.
Gerontologist. 2021 Apr 3;61(3):319-329. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnaa073.
This study explored whether the intensity of cognitive activities could moderate the relationship between a genetic predisposition for developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive functioning among older adults in the United States. Furthermore, we examined whether the same moderating effects were dependent on different measures of cognition.
We used a data set from the 2000-2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study and the Consumption and Activities Mail Survey. Our sample included 3,793 individuals aged 50 or older. We used the polygenic score (PGS) for AD as a genetic trait for cognitive functioning. Reading, listening to music, using a computer, playing cards/games/solving puzzles, singing/playing musical instruments, and creating art and crafts were included as cognitive activities, and TV viewing as passive activities. We used total cognition, fluid intelligence, and crystallized intelligence as proxies for cognitive functioning. Growth-curve models were conducted.
After controlling for covariates, we found that reading books, using a computer, and playing cards/games/solving puzzles had a positive effect on cognitive functioning. An additional hour spent reading books moderated the negative effect of AD PGS on cognition. The measure of fluid, when compared with crystallized intelligence, appeared to drive these results.
Reading could be a protective factor against cognitive decline among older adults who are genetically predisposed to developing AD. Implications for individuals, caregivers, clinicians, and policymakers are suggested. Furthermore, the onset of AD in those at greater genetic risk may be delayed with this intervention.
本研究旨在探讨认知活动的强度是否能够调节美国老年人中阿尔茨海默病（AD）遗传易感性与认知功能之间的关系。此外，我们还检验了相同的调节效应是否依赖于不同的认知测量。
我们使用了来自 2000-2014 年健康与退休研究和消费与活动邮件调查的数据。我们的样本包括 3793 名年龄在 50 岁或以上的个体。我们使用 AD 的多基因评分（PGS）作为认知功能的遗传特征。阅读、听音乐、使用计算机、打牌/玩游戏/解谜、唱歌/演奏乐器以及创作艺术和手工艺品被纳入认知活动，而看电视被视为被动活动。我们使用总认知、流体智力和晶体智力作为认知功能的替代指标。我们进行了增长曲线模型分析。
在控制了协变量后，我们发现阅读书籍、使用计算机和打牌/玩游戏/解谜对认知功能有积极影响。额外阅读一小时可以调节 AD PGS 对认知的负面影响。与晶体智力相比，流体智力的衡量似乎驱动了这些结果。
阅读可能是预防具有 AD 遗传易感性的老年人认知能力下降的保护因素。为个体、护理人员、临床医生和政策制定者提出了建议。此外，通过这种干预，可能会延迟具有更高遗传风险的个体 AD 的发病。
