The Genetics of Cognitive Abilities

doi:10.1017/9781108552684.034

30 - The Genetics of Cognitive Abilities

from Part IV - Cognitive, Social, and Biological Factors across the Lifespan

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 May 2020

Goran Papenberg and

Lars Bäckman

Edited by

Ayanna K. Thomas and

Angela Gutchess

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Ayanna K. Thomas: Affiliation:
Tufts University, Massachusetts
Angela Gutchess: Affiliation:
Brandeis University, Massachusetts

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Summary

Cognitive functions are highly heritable and polygenic, determined by many different genes. This chapter summarizes current knowledge regarding the genetic basis of cognitive abilities based on evidence from twin studies and behavioral genetic studies, focusing on single genes or polygenic scores. Given the focus of this book on aging, we also highlight differences of genetic influences on cognition across the adult life span, which contribute to the large interindividual differences in the decline of cognition in old age. In addition, we discuss the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in influencing cognition in adulthood and aging. Here, we focus on gene-environment interactions, gene-environment correlations, and epigenetic mechanisms, which likely account for some of the differential patterns in cognitive aging trajectories.

Keywords

genes candidate genes epigenetics heritability gene-environment interactions gene-environment correlations episodic memory intelligence single-nucleotide polymorphisms polygenic scores working memory

Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Cognitive Aging
A Life Course Perspective
, pp. 552 - 567

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108552684.034 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2020

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