Innovative Research Design Exploring the Effects of Physical Activity and Genetics on Cognitive Performance in Community-Based Older Adults

Physical activity is predictive of better cognitive performance and lower risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is a susceptibility gene for AD with the e4 allele being associated with a greater risk of AD. Cross-sectional and prospective research shows that physica...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aging and physical activity 2015-10, Vol.23 (4), p.559-568
Main Authors: Etnier, Jennifer L, Labban, Jeffrey D, Karper, William B, Wideman, Laurie, Piepmeier, Aaron T, Shih, Chia-Hao, Castellano, Michael, Williams, Lauren M, Park, Se-Yun, Henrich, Vincent C, Dudley, William N, Rulison, Kelli L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aging - genetics
Aging - physiology
Alzheimer Disease - genetics
Alzheimer Disease - physiopathology
Apolipoprotein E4 - genetics
Demography
Exercise Therapy
Female
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Genotype
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Motor Activity
Neuropsychological Tests
North Carolina
Physical Fitness - physiology
Research Design
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Summary:Physical activity is predictive of better cognitive performance and lower risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is a susceptibility gene for AD with the e4 allele being associated with a greater risk of AD. Cross-sectional and prospective research shows that physical activity is predictive of better cognitive performance for those at greater genetic risk for AD. However, the moderating role of APOE on the effects of a physical activity intervention on cognitive performance has not been examined. The purpose of this manuscript is to justify the need for such research and to describe the design, methods, and recruitment tactics used in the conductance of a study designed to provide insight as to the extent to which cognitive benefits resulting from an 8-month physical activity program are differentiated by APOE e4 status. The effectiveness of the recruitment strategies and the feasibility of recruiting APOE e4 carriers are discussed.
ISSN:1063-8652
1543-267X
DOI:10.1123/japa.2014-0221