Interaction between tea consumption and genes on activities of daily living disability in older adults

The effects of tea consumption on delaying aging and the onset of age-related disabilities have been reported; however, it is unclear whether these benefits are impacted by genes. This study aimed to examine the associations between tea consumption and activities of daily living (ADL) and explore the role of genetic factors. Data from 46,487 older adults aged 64-105 who participated in at least one data wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) conducted in 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018 were analyzed. Genetic data were produced using the Affymetrix Axiom™myDesign™ (384-format) Human Genotyping Array. The generalized estimation equation and multiple logistic regression models were constructed to examine the effects of tea consumption, polygenic risk score, and their interactions on ADL. Tea consumption was related to reduced ADL decline-the effect was statistically significant among men but not women. A significant interaction between tea consumption and polygenic risk score (PRS) was observed. Tea consumption was associated with a decreased risk of ADL disability only among individuals with a low PRS. These findings indicate that tea consumption plays a role in preventing disability in older adults with low polygenic risk.