Approved Research

Investigating the Interplay of Genetics, Lifestyle, Environmental, and Other Factors in the Onset, Progression, and Prognosis of Diseases related to cognitive impairment

Lay summary

Cognitive impairment in the context of chronic diseases and aging is an increasingly critical concern in global health, affecting millions worldwide. Current research indicates a complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental and lifestyle influences in the progression of cognitive diseases. Certain risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and physical inactivity, are known to contribute to both neurodegenerative diseases and chronic conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Investigating these shared risk factors can help identify common pathways and targets for intervention.. The aging global population is experiencing a rise in chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, which are known to exacerbate cognitive decline. Meanwhile vascular dysfunction also make the burden of neurodegenerative disease like AD and PD, creating a pressing need to understand and mitigate these trends.

Existing studies have primarily focused on isolated aspects of these diseases, such as genetic predispositions or environmental factors. However, the cumulative effect and interactions of these factors remain underexplored. The nuanced role of lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and exposure to pollutants in the context of individual genetic backgrounds is yet to be fully elucidated.

This study proposes to bridge these knowledge gaps by systematically analyzing the interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. We aim to uncover how these elements collectively influence the onset and progression of cognitive impairment in the presence of chronic diseases and aging. Our approach is holistic, considering a range of diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD) , Parkinson's disease (PD), and vascular dementia, alongside conditions like stroke, diabetes, and hypertension.

The project is anticipated to span over a period of three years. This timeline will allow for comprehensive data collection, analysis, and the development of conclusions and recommendations based on our findings.

By enhancing our understanding of cognitive impairment in chronic diseases and aging, this study will contribute to the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies.