Genes And Thinking Skills

As individuals, we vary widely in the level of our thinking skills, or cognitive function. We inherit cognitive function from our parents, in the same way that physical characteristics are passed down. Scientists have discovered that, unlike eye colour, cognitive function is not influenced by a few genes but by many.

Individually, each gene has a small influence but together they account for more than half (or 50%) of the differences in cognitive function between us. One gene that has reliably been associated with cognitive function, particularly in older people, is APOE. This gene is involved in cholesterol transport and is likely to influence brain function.

Genes and ageing of thinking skills

It’s normal for some of our thinking skills to decline slightly as we grow older – including speed of thinking, some types of memory and manipulating new information – while others stay stable or increase, for example wisdom and vocabulary. The extent and rate of decline as we age is affected by both genetic influences and environmental influences such as education, health, lifestyle choices, attitude and emotions, and a range of other factors. These are things we can control or alter, we can make changes to help protect our cognitive health as we age.

Full article here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/mind-body/staying-sharp/thinking-skills-change-with-age/genes-and-thinking-skills/