The relationship between lifestyle and serum neurofilament light protein in Huntington's disease. Issue 5 (17th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cruickshank, Travis; Bartlett, Danielle; Govus, Andrew; Hannan, Anthony; Teo, Wei‐Peng; Mason, Sarah; Lo, Johnny; Ziman, Mel
• Is Part Of: Brain and behavior. Volume 10:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-03-17
• Subjects: cardiorespiratory fitness -- cognitive reserve -- lifestyle -- neurofilament light protein -- social network; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8005
• DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1578
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2162-3279

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Serum neurofilament light protein (NfL) is a promising marker of disease onset and progression in Huntington's disease (HD). This study investigated associations between lifestyle factors and NfL levels in HD mutation carriers compared to healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Materials and Methods: Participants included 29 HD mutation carriers and 15 healthy controls. Associations between serum NfL concentrations and lifestyle factors, including cardiorespiratory fitness, social network size and diversity, physical activity, cognitive reserve, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, were examined using a stepwise multivariable linear regression model. Results: Higher NfL levels were associated with lower cognitive reserve, social network size and diversity and cardiorespiratory fitness in HD mutation carriers. Group × lifestyle factor effects were observed between lower serum NfL levels and a greater social network diversity. Conclusion: These findings highlight a relationship between lifestyle factors and NfL levels in HD mutations carriers; however, longitudinal studies are required to confirm if these observed relationships persist over time. Abstract : Serum neurofilament light protein (NfL) is a promising marker of disease onset and progression in Huntington's disease; however, it is not yet known how lifestyle factors may impact on NfL levels. Here, we report that lifestyle factors, particularly cognitive reserve, cardiorespiratory fitness and social network size and diversity, are significantly associated with NfL levels.