Children of obese women, who currently constitute 25% of the female UK population, are more likely to develop obesity and diabetes in adulthood. These conditions negatively impact on cognitive function and increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. However, current studies showing a negative correlation between maternal obesity and IQ are limited to young offspring. In addition, there is no information about the impact of father’s weight on the offspring brain in human cohorts. Recent studies also suggest that the influence of parental diet on measures of metabolic disease extends across multiple generations, but the potential multi-generational effects on brain and cognitive function are unknown.
This project will test the hypothesis that adult offspring born to obese parents/grandparents have altered brain structure and poorer cognitive function than those born to lean parents/grandparents. We will use data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), a longitudinal, community-based study that has been collecting data from parents (Gen 1), their adult children (Gen 2) and grandchildren (Gen 3) since 1948. We currently have FHS datasets that include pedigree information, metabolic measures including BMI, neuropsychological batteries and neuroimaging MRI scans for Gens 1-3. Multivariate linear regression and other statistical tests will be used to determine the association between Gen 1 BMI and metabolic syndrome, cognitive function and brain volume of Gen 2 and Gen 3 participants, as well as between Gen 2 and Gen 3. Additional analyses will be used to determine time to change in cognitive function and brain volume of Gen 2/3 participants and there will be opportunity to develop new statistical methods to help distinguish between environmental and genetic influences.
Results from this project will provide crucial information about how the prenatal environment impacts on brain health and function in later life, across multiple generations.
Applications should be made directly to Dr Cheryl Hawkes at [Email Address Removed] and should include:
1. CV (max 2 A4 sides), including details of two academic references
2. A cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the studentship (max 2 A4 sides)
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