Heather Kwan

Topic

An Investigation on Modifiable Risk Factors and Grey Matter Volume in Healthy Older Women

Department of Psychology

Date & location

• Tuesday, April 23, 2024

• 4:00 P.M.

• Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Jodie Gawryluk, Department of Psychology, University of Victoria (Co-Supervisor)

• Dr. Cassandra Szoeke, Department of Psychology, UVic (Co-Supervisor)

• Dr. Colette Smart, Department of Psychology, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Kurt Smith, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Washington 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Carmen Galang, School of Business, UVic

   

Abstract

It is projected that the global population of adults above age 60 years will surpass 2 billion by 2050. Age related cognitive decline represents a prevalent issue and research has demonstrated that women are at greater risk than men. Therefore, it is imperative to identify modifiable risk factors for aging women. Changes in cognitive function with age are influenced by many factors, some of which are modifiable such as physical activity and social interaction. Another factor that impacts women is the transition to menopause, which is characterized by hormonal changes. These hormonal changes are associated with a decline in grey matter volume, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease. However, some studies have demonstrated that the use of hormone therapy may mitigate some of the effects of cognitive decline. Structural neuroimaging allows us to examine grey matter volume directly, in vivo. The current study will use magnetic resonance imaging to examine the relationship between grey matter volume and physical activity, social interaction, and hormone therapy in healthy older women. It is hypothesized that women with greater reported physical activity, social interaction, and who have used hormone therapy will demonstrate greater grey matter volume. The participants of this study are healthy women over the age of 60 years and are part of an existing longitudinal Australian study, the Women’s Healthy Ageing Project. Participants have structural magnetic resonance imaging data, self-reported questionnaires on physical activity and social interaction, and have been assessed for menopausal stage and use of hormone therapy. These measures were correlated to the participant’s grey matter volume using an MRI analysis technique known as voxel-based morphometry. Results demonstrated significant negative corrections between grey matter volume and physical activity composite scores (IPAQ). There were no significant corrections between whole brain grey matter volume and social activity (SF-36) or hormone therapy use. However, there was a trend towards a positive correction for both of the aforementioned correlations and a significant positive correlation between cerebellar grey matter volume and social activity (p<0.05, corrected). As the aging population continues to grow globally, it is essential to better understand the variables that influence trajectories of again; especially for women, who are particularly at risk for age-related cognitive decline.