Currently there are notable differences in the aging of individuals in modern populations. While some of them enjoy a long healthy aging, others develop neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Environmental factors are critical, but genetics could explain the differences observed. It has recently been postulated that longevity genes might also be neuroprotective.
To assess whether certain genetic variants associated with longevity might have a neuroprotective effect.
The subjects of this study are people older than 90 years. We will collect sociodemographic and clinical data and multiple assessments, cognitive, functional, anthropometric, nutritional, sensory and physical each participant. In addition, 64 SNPs loci distributed in 13 candidate genes FOXO3, SIRT1, TOMM40, APOE, PICALM, COMT, CETP, CLU, CR1, IL-6, PCK-1, ZNF224 and ACE will be analysed by Taqman array.
It is hoped to gain more knowledge about under/over-represented alleles in nonagenarians. Furthermore, comparison of the genetic characteristics of nonagenarians with AD with those free of disease will enable links to be seen between certain alleles with protection or the risk of AD. Associated information on the participants will create subgroups showing the interactions between environment and genetic variation in relation to healthy aging and AD.
The study of the genetic variability of nonagenarians can give us information on the alleles associated with longevity and neuroprotection.