Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis and cognitive function in healthy older people: genetic, situational and individual factors

2019

The world population is getting older, and this age group faces important health challenges, among which age-related cognitive decline stands out. Therefore, it is important to identify vulnerability and protective health factors in order to understand ways to prevent cognitive decline. This thesis aimed to address the relationship between the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis and cognitive functioning during aging, taking into account genetic (Apolipoprotein E, ApoE, polymorphism), situational (loneliness), and individual factors (personality traits). To do this, a group of healthy older people over 55 years of age, men and women, were evaluated. A neuropsychological battery was ad…