INS NYC 2024 Program

Poster	Poster Session 08 Program Schedule 02/16/2024 01:45 pm - 03:00 pm Room: Shubert Complex (Posters 1-60) Poster Session 08: Cognition \| Cognitive Reserve Variables Final Abstract #41 The Impact of Modifiable Risk Factors on Grey Matter Volume in Healthy Aging Women Heather Kwan, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada Ashleigh Parker, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada Cassandra Szoeke, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Jodie Gawryluk, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada Category: Aging Keyword 1: aging (normal) Keyword 2: brain structure Keyword 3: hormone replacement therapy Objective: It is projected that the global population of adults above age 60 years will surpass 2 billion by 2050. Age-related cognitive decline is a growing concern amongst all healthy individuals. However, emerging research demonstrates a disproportionate and increased risk for cognitive decline in women compared to men. Therefore, it is imperative to identify modifiable risk and protective factors for aging women. Theoretical models of aging, such as the Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition note that variables such as physical activity and social engagement may be protective. Another factor that hasn’t been included in models of aging, is the transition to menopause, which is characterized by hormonal changes. These hormonal changes are associated with a decline in grey matter volume. However, some studies have demonstrated that the use of hormone therapy may positively impact some of the effects of cognitive decline. Structural neuroimaging allows us to examine grey matter volume directly, in vivo. The current study used magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between grey matter volume and physical activity, social interaction, and hormone therapy in healthy older women. It was hypothesized that women with greater reported physical activity, social interaction, and who have used hormone therapy would demonstrate greater grey matter volume. Participants and Methods: The participants of this study were healthy women (all biological females) over the age of 60 years and are part of an existing longitudinal Australian study, the Women’s Healthy Ageing Project. The current study included 151 healthy older women (M_Age=70.30 ± 2.88) who had 3T structural magnetic resonance imaging data, self-reported questionnaires on physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and social interaction (Short Form-36) at the 2012 time point. Further, the participants and had been assessed for menopausal stage and use of hormone therapy. These lifestyle measures were correlated to the participant’s grey matter volume using an MRI analysis technique known as voxel-based morphometry. Results: The results demonstrated significant negative corrections between grey matter volume and composite scores on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (p<0.05, corrected). There were no significant corrections between grey matter volume and scores on the Short-Form 36, or use of hormone replacement therapy at any time point during the study. However, there was a trend towards a positive correction for both of the aforementioned correlations. Conclusions: The global aging population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and women are particularly at risk for age-related cognitive decline. It is critical to understand the impact of specific modifiable variables on the healthy aging population to prevent age related decline and ultimately improve the quality of life for our aging population.

Poster

02/16/2024
01:45 pm - 03:00 pm
Room: Shubert Complex (Posters 1-60)

Poster Session 08: Cognition | Cognitive Reserve Variables

Final Abstract #41

The Impact of Modifiable Risk Factors on Grey Matter Volume in Healthy Aging Women

Heather Kwan, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
Ashleigh Parker, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
Cassandra Szoeke, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
Jodie Gawryluk, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada

Category: Aging

Keyword 1: aging (normal)
Keyword 2: brain structure
Keyword 3: hormone replacement therapy

Objective:

It is projected that the global population of adults above age 60 years will surpass 2 billion by 2050. Age-related cognitive decline is a growing concern amongst all healthy individuals. However, emerging research demonstrates a disproportionate and increased risk for cognitive decline in women compared to men. Therefore, it is imperative to identify modifiable risk and protective factors for aging women. Theoretical models of aging, such as the Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition note that variables such as physical activity and social engagement may be protective. Another factor that hasn’t been included in models of aging, is the transition to menopause, which is characterized by hormonal changes. These hormonal changes are associated with a decline in grey matter volume. However, some studies have demonstrated that the use of hormone therapy may positively impact some of the effects of cognitive decline. Structural neuroimaging allows us to examine grey matter volume directly, in vivo. The current study used magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between grey matter volume and physical activity, social interaction, and hormone therapy in healthy older women. It was hypothesized that women with greater reported physical activity, social interaction, and who have used hormone therapy would demonstrate greater grey matter volume.

Participants and Methods:

The participants of this study were healthy women (all biological females) over the age of 60 years and are part of an existing longitudinal Australian study, the Women’s Healthy Ageing Project. The current study included 151 healthy older women (M_Age=70.30 ± 2.88) who had 3T structural magnetic resonance imaging data, self-reported questionnaires on physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and social interaction (Short Form-36) at the 2012 time point. Further, the participants and had been assessed for menopausal stage and use of hormone therapy. These lifestyle measures were correlated to the participant’s grey matter volume using an MRI analysis technique known as voxel-based morphometry.

Results:

The results demonstrated significant negative corrections between grey matter volume and composite scores on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (p<0.05, corrected). There were no significant corrections between grey matter volume and scores on the Short-Form 36, or use of hormone replacement therapy at any time point during the study. However, there was a trend towards a positive correction for both of the aforementioned correlations.

Conclusions:

The global aging population continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and women are particularly at risk for age-related cognitive decline. It is critical to understand the impact of specific modifiable variables on the healthy aging population to prevent age related decline and ultimately improve the quality of life for our aging population.