Meta-analysis of age-related cognitive decline reveals a novel locus for the attention domain and implicates a COVID-19-related gene for global cognitive function.

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive abilities have substantial heritability throughout life, as shown by twin- and population-based studies. However, there is limited understanding of the genetic factors related to cognitive decline in aging across neurocognitive domains.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis on 3045 individuals aged ≥65, derived from three population-based cohorts, to identify genetic variants associated with the decline of five neurocognitive domains (attention, memory, executive function, language, visuospatial function) and global cognitive decline. We also conducted gene-based and functional bioinformatics analyses.

RESULTS

Apolipoprotein E (APOE)4 was significantly associated with decline of memory (p = 5.58E-09) and global cognitive function (p = 1.84E-08). We identified a novel association with attention decline on chromosome 9, rs6559700 (p = 2.69E-08), near RASEF. Gene-based analysis also identified a novel gene, TMPRSS11D, involved in the activation of SARS-CoV-2, to be associated with the decline in global cognitive function (p = 4.28E-07).

DISCUSSION

Domain-specific genetic studies can aid in the identification of novel genes and pathways associated with decline across neurocognitive domains.

HIGHLIGHTS

rs6559700 was associated with decline of attention. APOE4 was associated with decline of memory and global cognitive decline. TMPRSS11D, a gene involved in the activation of SARS-CoV-2, was implicated in global cognitive decline. Cognitive domain abilities had both unique and shared molecular pathways across the domains.