Sex-specific genetic epidemiology of the heart-brain axis

Conditions related to brain and heart health may be linked, as both organs share common biological factors despite acting in distinct systems. Differences between how men and women develop these conditions have been observed but are not yet fully understood. This study aims to assess whether some genes may explain brain and heart conditions (e.g., cognitive decline, stroke) differently for men and women and to uncover the underlying biological pathways. In particular, genes related to cholesterol transport in the body will be studied to determine whether their influence on these conditions is different for men and women. The relationship between a gene and a trait forms the basis of the approaches used to address the research objectives.