# Differential Impact of ACEs and Aging on Brain Health

> **NIH NIH R36** · OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY STILLWATER · 2021 · $68,590

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Aging is the number one risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
(ADRD); however, decline in old age may reflect experiences over the entire lifespan. Prior research shows
how early-life experiences, such as education, have an influence on late-life cognitive performance and old-
age or ADRD cognitive trajectories. Additional early-life factors that may exacerbate neurocognitive
degeneration or ADRD risk include adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). An often unconsidered harm of
ACEs is the potential risk it poses to brain development and later-life cognitive impairment. ACEs are defined
as traumatic childhood events (e.g., abuse, deprivation or neglect, and household challenges). Findings linking
ACE exposure to future brain health and disease is concerning given the high prevalence of ACEs. Brain
derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) are also linked to brain and cognitive health, with evidence that aging and
neurological diseases reduce the levels of BDNF. Low levels of BDNF in women have been linked to cognitive
impairments, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease; however, direct connections between cognitive function
and BDNF have yet to be examined. It is unknown how levels of BDNF are impacted by the process of aging
and traumatic experiences or how they relate to cognitive testing. Thus, in order to disentangle the contribution
of age and ACEs on brain health, it is essential to determine whether ACE-related patterns of cognitive deficits
are detectable on neuropsychological testing and whether they relate to BDNF levels among different age
cohorts with and without trauma history. Such data will help us understand the relationship between
performance-based vs. biologic indicators of brain function across ages. To begin to fill this knowledge gap, the
proposed study will leverage findings from an ongoing study of ACEs and neurotrophins in a middle-aged
sample to address the following aims: Aim 1: To characterize/define cognitive performance across the
emerging and older adult cohorts stratified by ACEs, and Aim 2: To characterize/define BDNF levels across the
two unexplored age cohorts stratified by ACEs. Using an observational cohort design, 100 adults―50
emerging adults and 50 older adults―will be recruited for the proposed study. Independent groups will be
matched by exposure to ACEs and other key covariates (e.g., education). Participant’s eligibility will be
assessed via an online screening questionnaire (and for older adults, an additional in-lab screening prior to
beginning the assessment) where eligibility criteria will be confirmed. Those who are eligible and willing to
participate will be invited to enroll in the study. Enrolled participants will then have blood drawn prior to
completing a computer based cognitive assessment (Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics and
NIH-Toolbox Cognitive Battery). This study is an innovative investigation that will have importa...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10205925
- **Project number:** 1R36AG072342-01
- **Recipient organization:** OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY STILLWATER
- **Principal Investigator:** Cindy Eileen Tsotsoros
- **Activity code:** R36 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $68,590
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-05-01 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10205925

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10205925, Differential Impact of ACEs and Aging on Brain Health (1R36AG072342-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10205925. Licensed CC0.

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