One-fifth of the world's population has smart, long-lived genes

Researchers found that one in five of us carries a variant of "smart genes" , associated with longevity, larger brain regions and enhanced brain ability.

According to the new study, those who own a version of the klotho gene, called KL-VS , have a right prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) that grows with a larger volume than the rest.

rDLPFC is the area of ​​the brain responsible for the planning and decision making process of the subject, especially prone to shrinking with age. The loss of nerve cells in this brain region may be one of the reasons for older people who sometimes become insane and find it difficult to do many things at once.

Those who own a version of the klotho gene, called KL-VS, have been found to have a higher life expectancy and better brain ability.(Artwork: Webmd)

The size of the rDLPFC region helps to accurately predict how well volunteers volunteer to complete brain tests, such as retention, memorization and speed of information processing.

The new study follows a previous discovery that middle-aged and elderly people have a better copy of KL-VS gene in a series of different brain tests.

"We have known for a long time that people often lose awareness when they get older. However, at the present time, we are just beginning to know that factors like klotho can help people cope better. The genetic variation in klotho can help us predict brain health and find ways to protect people from destructive diseases that occur when we get older, like Alzheimer's disease. and other brain degenerations, " said researcher Dena Dubal of the University of California, San Francisco, USA (UCSF).

Gene klotho encodes a protein discovered in the kidney and brain, which controls many different processes of the body. Experts Dubal and colleagues discovered that about one in five of us carry a copy of the KL-VS variant of the klotho gene, which has a higher protein content and better heart and kidney function as well. as long life.

Meanwhile, about 3% of the population carrying 2 copies of the klotho gene variant are associated with a lower life expectancy.

The majority of the rest did not carry any copies of the KL-VS variant, which also had poorer brain test results than those who owned a copy, regardless of age, gender or the presence of apolipoprotein 4 - The main genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

The findings, the researchers say, could provide useful information for finding new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other memory impairments.