Journal article
The role of epigenetics in cognitive ageing
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Vol.29(11), pp.1162-1171
2014
Abstract
Objective
As the population is ageing, a better understanding of the underlying causes of age-related cognitive decline (cognitive ageing) is required. Epigenetic dysregulation is proposed as one of the underlying mechanisms for cognitive ageing. We review the current knowledge on epigenetics and cognitive ageing and appraise the potential of epigenetic preventative and therapeutic interventions.
Design
Articles on cognitive ageing and epigenetics in English were identified.
Results
Epigenetic dysregulation occurs with cognitive ageing, with changes in histone post-translational modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNA reported. However, human studies are lacking, with most being cross-sectional using peripheral blood samples. Pharmacological and lifestyle factors have the potential to change aberrant epigenetic profiles; but few studies have examined this in relation to cognitive ageing.
Conclusions
The relationship between epigenetic modifications and cognitive ageing is only beginning to be investigated. Epigenetic dysregulation appears to be an important feature in cognitive ageing, but whether it is an epiphenomenon or a causal factor remains to be elucidated. Clarification of the relationship between epigenetic profiles of different cell types is essential and would determine whether epigenetic marks of peripheral tissues can be used as a proxy for changes occurring in the brain. The use of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions to improve cognitive performance and quality of life of older adults needs more investigation.
Details
- Title
- The role of epigenetics in cognitive ageing
- Authors/Creators
- K.A. Mather (Author/Creator) - UNSW SydneyJ.B. Kwok (Author/Creator) - UNSW SydneyN. Armstrong (Author/Creator) - The University of SydneyP.S. Sachdev (Author/Creator) - UNSW Sydney
- Publication Details
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Vol.29(11), pp.1162-1171
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991005544806907891
- Copyright
- © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Metrics
74 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.54 Molecular & Cell Biology - Genetics
- 1.54.100 Epigenetic Regulation
- Web Of Science research areas
- Geriatrics & Gerontology
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- ESI research areas
- Psychiatry/Psychology