State- and trait-dependent associations of vitamin-D with brain function during aging

Alexandra M. Kueider, Toshiko Tanaka, Yang An, Melissa H. Kitner-Triolo, Elango Palchamy, Luigi Ferrucci, Madhav Thambisetty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigated whether (1) serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the group-specific component (GC) gene-regulating serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with cognition in older individuals; and (2) whether causal relationships exist between 25(OH)D and cognition during aging. Data from 1207 participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed (mean follow-up, 10.4 years) to test associations between serum 25(OH)D and cognition. Two GC SNPs were used to derive a composite genetic risk score associated with lower 25(OH)D concentrations. Lower serum 25(OH)D and higher GC composite scores were associated with lower executive function at baseline. Mendelian randomization analyses suggested a causal relationship between lower serum 25(OH)D and poorer executive function and psychomotor speed. The SNP score was also associated with lower performance on measures of visuospatial abilities at baseline but with attenuated declines over time in visuospatial abilities and executive function. Widespread associations between vitamin-D regulatory SNPs and cognition suggest a mechanistic basis for the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and cognition during aging.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)38-45
Number of pages8
JournalNeurobiology of Aging
Volume39
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cognitive performance
  • Mendelian randomization
  • Vitamin D

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • General Neuroscience
  • Aging
  • Developmental Biology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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