Associations between apolipoprotein E phenotype, glucose metabolism and cognitive function in men. An explorative...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Metabolic Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotype is associated with cognitive function.
• Disturbed glucose metabolism, including diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, affects brain health.
• Understanding the interplay between apoE and glucose metabolism is crucial for cognitive health in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations of apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotype and disturbed glucose metabolism with cognitive function.
• To identify specific apoE phenotypes and glucose tolerance statuses that may impact cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 528 men aged 54 or 60 years.
• Participants were categorized by apoE phenotype (E2, E3, E4) and glucose tolerance status (normal, abnormal glucose tolerance [AGT]).
• Cognitive function was assessed using memory tests (word-list learning) and executive function tests (Trail Making Test A and B).

Main Results:

• Subjects with the apoE E2 phenotype and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) exhibited the poorest cognitive executive control.
• No significant differences in simple cognitive speed were observed between the groups.
• Worse glycaemic control was associated with poorer executive function in the apoE E2 and AGT subgroup.

Conclusions:

• The combination of the apoE E2 allele and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) is associated with impaired cognitive executive control.
• Different apolipoprotein phenotypes and impaired glucose tolerance may have cumulative adverse effects on age-related cognitive performance.
• Specific subgroups, such as those with apoE E2 and AGT, may be particularly vulnerable to cognitive impairment.