BioAge: Toward A Multi-Determined, Mechanistic Account of Cognitive Aging
Date
2014
Authors
DeCarlo, C.A.
Tuokko, H.A.
Williams, D.
Dixon, R.A.
MacDonald, Stuart W.S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Aeging Research Review
Abstract
The search for reliable early indicators of age-related cognitive decline represents a critical avenue for progress in aging research. Chronological age is a commonly used developmental index; however, it offers little insight into the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline. In contrast, biological age (BioAge), reflecting the vitality of essential biological systems, represents a promising operationalization of developmental time. Current BioAge models have successfully predicted age-related cognitive deficits. Research on aging-related cognitive function indicates that the interaction of multiple risk and protective factors across the human lifespan confers individual risk for late-life cognitive decline, implicating a multi-causal explanation. In this review, we explore current BioAge models, describe three broad yet pathologically relevant biological processes linked to cognitive decline, and propose a novel operationalization of BioAge accounting for both moderating and causal mechanisms of cognitive decline and dementia. We argue that a multivariate and mechanistic BioAge approach will lead to a greater understanding of disease pathology as well as more accurate prediction and early identification of late-life cognitive decline.
Description
Keywords
Biological Age, Oxidative Stress, Vascular Health, Early Identification, Cognitive Aging, Inflammation, Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health
Citation
DeCarlo, C.A., Tuokko, H.A., Willliams, D., Dixon, R.A., MacDonald, S.W.S. (2014). BioAge: Toward A Multi-Determined, Mechanistic Account of Cognitive Aging. Ageing Research Review, 18, 95-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2014.09.003