Precision Aging: Applying Precision Medicine to the Field of Cognitive Aging

Lee Ryan; Meredith Hay; Matt J. Huentelman; Audrey Duarte; Tatjana Rundek; Bonnie Levin; Anja Soldan; Corinne Pettigrew; Matthias R. Mehl; Carol A. Barnes

doi:10.3389/fnagi.2019.00128

Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (Jun 2019)

Precision Aging: Applying Precision Medicine to the Field of Cognitive Aging

Lee Ryan,
Meredith Hay,
Matt J. Huentelman,
Audrey Duarte,
Tatjana Rundek,
Bonnie Levin,
Anja Soldan,
Corinne Pettigrew,
Matthias R. Mehl,
Carol A. Barnes

Affiliations

Lee Ryan: Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
Meredith Hay: Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
Matt J. Huentelman: Neurobehavioral Research Unit, Division of Neurological Disorders, Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, United States
Audrey Duarte: Center for Advanced Brain Imaging, School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
Tatjana Rundek: Clinical and Translational Research Division, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
Bonnie Levin: Neuropsychology Division, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
Anja Soldan: Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
Corinne Pettigrew: Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
Matthias R. Mehl: Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
Carol A. Barnes: Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00128
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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The current “one size fits all” approach to our cognitive aging population is not adequate to close the gap between cognitive health span and lifespan. In this review article, we present a novel model for understanding, preventing, and treating age-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) based on concepts borrowed from precision medicine. We will discuss how multiple risk factors can be classified into risk categories because of their interrelatedness in real life, the genetic variants that increase sensitivity to, or ameliorate, risk for ARCI, and the brain drivers or common mechanisms mediating brain aging. Rather than providing a definitive model of risk for ARCI and cognitive decline, the Precision Aging model is meant as a starting point to guide future research. To that end, after briefly discussing key risk categories, genetic risks, and brain drivers, we conclude with a discussion of steps that must be taken to move the field forward.

Published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

ISSN: 1663-4365 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience

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Abstract

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