Approved Research

Association of genetic, metabolic, and environmental risk factors with neuropsychiatric disorders

Lay summary

Aims: This study aims to ascertain the causal association between genetic, environmental and metabolic factors and the onset and prognosis of prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders in middle-aged and elderly individuals in Asia and Europe. The objective is to explore the joint effects of genetic, metabolic, and environmental risk factors on neuropsychiatric disorders.

Sientific rationable: Neuropsychiatric disorders (including dementia, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression) place a heavy societal and financial strain on the world's healthcare systems. Recent research indicates that exposure to air pollution may hasten the onset of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Mental disorders are characterized by an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome (dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia). However, this discovery has not been verified in neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, we are curious about whether unfavorable environmental factors can magnify the effects of specific genetic, metabolic factors on the emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Project duration: The project is planned to take 3 years after data download.

Public health impact: We hope that the results of this study will help us to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the underlying mechanisms of neuropsychiatric diseases. Then, based on the findings of this study, we will establish more accurate prediction models, develop scientific guidelines, better evaluate and intervene in risk factors of neuropsychiatric diseases, and lessen the burden of disease.