Cognitive ageing in women: A twin study to identify determinants and imaging correlates. (360G-Wellcome-086904_Z_08_Z)

Cognitive decline with age is the most feared aspect of growing old (1). Ageing after 50years is associated with changes in cognitive function in the normal population, especially fluid abilities, like working memory, speed of processing and reaction time. Maintenance of these abilities as we age contributes to preservation of autonomy, independence and quality of life, and was described as one of three factors essential for successful aging (2). Cognitive ageing will constitute an incre asing challenge as life expectancy lengthens. Understanding the causal factors and physiological mechanisms leading to differential cognitive change within the normal population in later life is a priority. It is important to identify potentially modifiable factors contributing to successful ageing. This study uses a unique cohort of older twins with a large amount of longitudinal phenotypic data. It aims to identify the environmental factors contributing to 10-year cognitive changes among st female twins over 50 at first testing. It will then examine the extent to which cognitive change with age correlates with age related change in other organ systems. Lastly, it will examine the links between brain structural, functional and connectivity changes on MRI, and age related change in cognition, in mono-zygotic twins discordant for cognitive change.