PhD defence Yidan Zhang

Keywords: Genetic risk, Lifestyle, Brain health, Dementia

"Genetic and Lifestyle Risk Factors for Brain Health and Dementia: Insights From Cognitive, Neuroimaging, and Longitudinal Data"

This thesis investigated how genetic risk and lifestyle factors together influence brain health and the risk of dementia. Using large population datasets, including the UK Biobank, the research examined how genes such as APOE and polygenic risk scores relate to brain structure, cognitive function, and dementia risk. It also explored whether a healthy lifestyle—such as regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and not smoking—can offset genetic risk.

The findings show that both genetic and lifestyle factors independently contribute to brain health and dementia risk. While genetic risk cannot be changed, lifestyle factors remain modifiable and play an important role in maintaining brain function. The results highlight that combining genetic information with lifestyle assessments improves the prediction of cognitive decline and dementia. This research supports the idea that adopting a healthy lifestyle may help reduce dementia risk, even among individuals with a higher genetic predisposition.

Click here for the live stream.