Ageing gene study for Roslin

Thursday January 15th, 2015

Scottish researchers have announced plans to track down the genetic contribution to "successful" ageing.

The Edinburgh-based research project is to focus on the effects of genes on the brain.

They plan to sequence the entire genetic make-up of more than 1,000 people in Scotland.

The volunteers are near the age of 80 and have already been studied for years, having their thinking power monitored, since the age of 11.

A sum of £1 million has been awarded to the Roslin Institute for the project by the research council responsible for biotechnology.

Researcher Professor Ian Deary, of Edinburgh University's Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, said: “As well as lifestyle factors and health, we think that genetic factors contribute to why some people’s brains and thinking skills age better than others. Until now, our genetic testing of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 has been patchy.

"This new award will allow us comprehensively to examine people’s genetic status, and will add further value to the rich data provided by these dedicated participants. My centre is delighted to be working with the Roslin Institute on this large scale and important new part of the project.”

Tags: Brain & Neurology | Elderly Health | Genetics | UK News

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