The emerging science on cognitive dysfunction
It is a truth universally acknowledged that our genetic makeup has an influence over our lives. There are plenty of areas of life where the involvement of our DNA is obvious—the risk of developing certain diseases, for example. Increasingly, however, scientists are questioning whether even the choices people make are the result of the will of their genome, rather than their own volition. After all, personality traits almost always have some sort of genetic component.
Intrigued? Then check out this gallery to learn to what extent our behavior is dictated by our DNA.
It is no great secret that our genes are responsible for much of what happens in our lives. In fact, we have known that for a long time.
Both scientists and non-scientists are aware that our risk of certain diseases, for example, is largely dictated by our genetic makeup.
Today, however, scientists are beginning to question whether our lives and our genomes have a connection that is even more intimate.
Indeed, scientists are starting to wonder whether our genetic makeup could be responsible for the choices we make in life, and, if so, to what extent?
Could it be that our genes are to thank (or to blame) for some or all aspects of our personalities, such as food preferences and ability to maintain relationships?
Although we may not realize it, there are a number of aspects to our daily lives that may be at least partially driven by our genome. For example, genetic differences in our taste receptors determine whether we prefer coffee or tea.
Genetics are also involved when it comes to determining how much we enjoy or don’t enjoy engaging in certain types of activity.
Fifteen years ago, there was a survey conducted of 2,000 British adults, which suggested that there may be a gene that relates to hobbies.
There was evidence of a strong correlation between the favorite pastimes of the participants and the recorded hobbies of their ancestors.
Many participants were surprised to find that they came, for example, from a long line of amateur gardeners, stamp collectors, or cake makers.
It would seem, therefore, that our genes can influence our natural inclination towards certain hobbies. That’s not to say that we necessarily have an aptitude for those hobbies, however.
Rather, scientists believe that our aptitude for certain activities is largely dictated by other factors such as the opportunity we have at a young age, and our willingness to practice.
That said, our willingness to practice may in turn be influenced by our genome. In fact, it’s likely that our genetic makeup wields a considerable influence over our personality traits.
According to psychiatry professor Danielle Dick, the majority of personality traits, such as how extroverted or introverted we are, have some sort of genetic component.
There are advantages and disadvantages to all characteristics and personality traits. Being naturally impulsive, for example, might make you a better decision-maker and more willing to seize opportunities.
However, it may also make you more vulnerable to dropping out of school, getting fired from a job, or developing a gambling addiction.
Equally, there is research that shows people with the genetic background for a high level of creativity actually go on to develop schizophrenia.
According to one recent study co-authored by Danielle Dick, individuals who display gene variants linked to impulsivity are more likely to engage in certain behaviors.
The study found that of the 1.5 million people studied, the more impulsive people were more likely to have developed ADHD as children, or participated in substance taking in adolescence and adulthood.
The study also showed that the more impulsive people were more likely to later develop associated conditions, such as obesity and lung cancer.
That is not to say, of course, that our DNA is our destiny. For example, there are many people with the impulsivity gene variant who will not develop problems.
The environment that surrounds us is also hugely important in determining whether we act on our genetic urges or not.
For example, according to Icelandic scientist Kári Stefánsson, people with a genetic predisposition to struggle with inhibition are more likely to have problems if they work next to a fast-food outlet, or find it difficult to stop smoking if they start.
At the same time, however, research shows that having a stable family life, or even exercising regularly, can help those people live healthier, more productive lives.
It is not only compulsive or addictive behavior that scientists believe is dictated by our genetic code.
Indeed, they are now studying other gene-environment interactions to decide whether our genes can influence other behavior patterns, such as the ability to maintain a long-term relationship.
We are still at the very beginning of the road when it comes to understanding exactly how our genes influence our actions. Scientists are beginning to unveil the connections, but there are many questions still unanswered.
How our DNA influences everyday choices
Can our genes influence our behavior?
HEALTH Science
It is a truth universally acknowledged that our genetic makeup has an influence over our lives. There are plenty of areas of life where the involvement of our DNA is obvious—the risk of developing certain diseases, for example. Increasingly, however, scientists are questioning whether even the choices people make are the result of the will of their genome, rather than their own volition. After all, personality traits almost always have some sort of genetic component.
Intrigued? Then check out this gallery to learn to what extent our behavior is dictated by our DNA.