Neuroscience 2005 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 409.12 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Apolipoprotein E (APOE) modulates cortical thickness in aging as revealed by MRI. |
| Authors: |
Espeseth, T.*1
; Westlye, L. T.1
; Fjell, A. M.1
; Walhovd, K.1
; Rootwelt, H.2
; Greenwood, P. M.3
; Reinvang, I.1
1Psychology, Univ. of Oslo, Oslo, Norway 2Norway, Box 1094, Blindern, N-0317, 3Clin. Chemistry, Box 1094, Blindern, N-0317, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Human Cognition, Behavior, and Anatomy -- Genetic variation and individual differences |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior<br />- Human Cognition, Behavior, and Anatomy<br />-- Cognitive aging |
| Session: |
409. Genetic Variation and Individual Differences Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, November 14, 2005 11:00 AM-12:00 PM |
| Location: | Washington Convention Center - Hall A-C, Board # DD29 |
| Keywords: |
Thickness of the cerebral cortex was measured in 88 healthy nondemented volunteers with an age range of 48–75 years (Mean=65). 56 participants were classified as APOE ε4- (no ε4 allele) and 32 as ε4+ (1 or 2 ε4 alleles). The genotype groups had similar age, sex (72/28% f/m) and IQ (Mean/SD=117/11). Two T1-weighted MP-RAGE sequences were averaged for each participant to yield images with high signal-to-noise ratio. Images were analyzed semi-automatically as described by Salat et al (2004). We first analyzed general age effects in all 88 participants. Preliminary results indicate significant global white matter volume loss with increasing age whereas gray matter loss showed a similar, but non-significant trend. Regionally specific cortical thinning was evident with increasing age, especially in occipital areas, insula, parts of the temporal lobes, central sulcus, precentral gyrus and a subset of prefrontal areas. The sample’s age range precludes any direct comparison with previous research but the results are consistent with data reported by Salat et al (2004). We find less evidence for medial prefrontal cortical thinning in our sample, probably due to the sample’s restricted age range (Raz, 2004). Next, we used a GLM approach to discern genotype effects on cortical thickness and then tested for different slopes with advancing age. Preliminary results revealed a subset of cortical areas, including several frontal and temporal areas in both hemispheres where ε4+ had thicker cortex than ε4- participants. Age related trends, however, indicated greater thinning in ε4+ compared to ε4- participants in these areas. This may be related to progressive deficits in neuronal plasticity in ε4 carriers. However, cortical thickness may reflect a number of anatomical and physiological factors and further interpretation needs to take into account functional data.
Supported by Norwegian Research Council grant 154313/V50
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2005 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2005. Online.
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