Genome-wide association studies, gene-by-social factor interactions, and multi-omic analysis of cognitive function and dementia in older adults

Thu, December 15, 2022 11:30 AM - Thu, December 15, 2022 1:00 PM at Zoom

Family Population Health Lab is hosting a lecture featuring Jennifer A. Smith, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan.

Time:  11:30am-1:00pm on December 15th, 2022

 

Talk title: 

Genome-wide association studies, gene-by-social factor interactions, and multi-omic analysis of cognitive function and dementia in older adults

 

Abstract:

Cognitive impairment and decline are common among older adults, and they may be early indicators of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias. Genetic factors have been associated with both AD susceptibility and cognitive function. However, less is known about how these genetic risk factors vary in their effects across populations, interact with social environments, and associate with the epigenome and transcriptome. In this talk, I will 1) outline findings from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of AD and cognitive function, 2) highlight studies that examine the associations between genetic factors, socioeconomic indicators, and cognition or dementia status in European ancestry and African ancestry participants from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and 3) discuss a gene-based analysis of cognitive function that combines genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data from African American participants in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA). Innovative genomic and epidemiologic research may help to characterize biological and social pathways that can be leveraged for developing earlier or more effective interventions for cognitive impairment and dementia.

 

Biography:

Dr. Jennifer A. Smith is a genetic epidemiologist with appointments in the Epidemiology Department, School of Public Health and the Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. She is a core faculty member of the Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health (CSEPH) and is affiliated with the Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging (MiCDA), the Center for Midlife Science, and the Population, Neurodevelopment and Genetics (PNG) Program. Broadly, Dr. Smith's research investigates the relationships between genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic variation and age-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and dementia, in large-population-based studies. 

Zoom link:

 

Topic: FPH Lectures
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
 
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https://msu.zoom.us/j/94430233273 
Meeting ID: 944 3023 3273
Passcode: FPH2022