Working memory deficits in healthy APOE epsilon 4 carriers

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Previous research focused on episodic memory and APOE allele variation.
• Working memory, encompassing capacity and control, is less explored in this context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of APOE allele variation on working memory performance in healthy older adults.
• To examine sex and allele dose as potential modifying factors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the AX-Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT) and neuropsychological tests.
• Assessed working memory capacity and interference control.
• Included 186 healthy participants with a mean age of 64.5 years.

Main Results:

• APOE epsilon4 carriers demonstrated reduced working memory performance.
• Specific aspects of working memory capacity and control were affected.
• No significant genetic effects were observed for episodic memory measures.
• Response inhibition appeared sensitive to genetic effects.

Conclusions:

• APOE epsilon4 allele variation impacts working memory in healthy older adults.
• Sex and allele dose modulate these cognitive effects.
• Findings suggest APOE's influence extends to non-memory cognitive functions, potentially involving neurobiological mechanisms and age-related changes.