DNA

Biomarkers, Brain, & Cognition in Aging

We connect markers of health to the brain and cognitive function in older adults. These biomarkers include genetic markers, body composition, and metabolic markers that can be modified by diet and exercise.

Example Publications

Honea, R. A., Hunt, S., Lepping, R. J., Vidoni, E. D., Morris, J. K., Watts, A., Michaelis, E., Burns, J. M., & Swerdlow, R. H. (2023). Alzheimer’s disease cortical morphological phenotypes are associated with TOMM40 ‘523-APOE haplotypes. Neurobiology of Aging, 132, 131-144. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.09.001

Watts, A., Haneline, S., Welsh-Bohmer, K. A., Wu, J., Alexander, R., Swerdlow, R.H., Burns, D. K., Saunders, A. M. (2023). TOMM40 ‘523 genotype distinguishes patterns of cognitive improvement for executive function in APOE ε3 homozygotes. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. doi: 10.3233/JAD-230066

Watts, A., Chalise, P., Hu, H., Hui, D., Pa, J., Andrews, S., Michaelis, E. K., & Swerdlow, R.(2022). A mitochondrial DNA haplogroup defines patterns of five-year cognitive change. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. doi:10.3233/JAD-220298

Watts, A., Wilkins, H., Michaelis, E., & Swerdlow, R. (2019). TOMM40 '523 associations with baseline and longitudinal cognition in APOEe3 homozygotes. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 70(4), 1059-1068. DOI: 10.3233/JAD-190293.

Loskutova, N., Watts, A., & Burns, J. M. (2018). The cause-effect relationship between bone loss and Alzheimer’s disease using statistical modeling. Medical Hypotheses. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2018.10.024

Watts, A., Andrews, S., & Anstey, K. (2018). Sex differences in the impact of BDNF genotype on the longitudinal relationship between physical activity and cognitive performance. Gerontology. DOI: 10.1159/000486369.

Watts, A., Honea, R., Billinger, S., Hutfles, L., Vidoni, E., Rhyner, K., & Burns, J. (2015). A combined measure of vascular risk for white matter lesions. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 45, 187-193.

Watts, A., Loskutova, N., Johnson, D. K., & Burns, J. (2013). Metabolic syndrome and cognitive decline in early Alzheimer’s disease and healthy older adults. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 35, 253-265.

Burns, J. M., Johnson, D. K., Watts, A., Swerdlow, R., & Brooks, W. M. (2010). Reduced lean mass in early Alzheimer disease and its association with brain atrophy. Archives of Neurology, 67(4), 428-433.

Watts, A., Crimmins, E. M., & Gatz, M. (2008). Inflammation as a potential mediator for the association between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 4(5), 865-876.