Open AccessThe relationship between lifestyle and serum neurofilament light protein in Huntington’s disease
Author(s) -
Cruickshank Travis,
Bartlett Danielle,
Govus Andrew,
Hannan Anthony,
Teo WeiPeng,
Mason Sarah,
Lo Johnny,
Ziman Mel
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.1578
Subject(s) - cardiorespiratory fitness , disease , medicine , cognition , psychology , physical fitness , gerontology , demography , physical therapy , psychiatry , sociology
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.