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Association between apolipoprotein E ε4 and longitudinal cognitive decline: nested case-control study among chinese
Fei Ma1, Jianhua Wang, Rujuan Miao
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China. mf2002245mf@yahoo.com.cn
Neuropsychobiology
|June 25, 2011
Summary
The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is linked to increased risk of cognitive decline in older adults. This genetic factor may predict early changes in memory and attention, suggesting a role in Alzheimer's disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive decline in the elderly is a key indicator of dementia.
- The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- The precise role of APOE ε4 in general cognitive decline progression requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the APOE ε4 allele and longitudinal cognitive decline.
- To examine the influence of sociodemographics, vascular disease, and lipid profiles on this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study design was employed.
- Demographic, clinical, and APOE genotype data were collected prospectively.
- Cognitive function was assessed over 3 years using various cognitive tests; decline was defined by Clinical Dementia Rating Scale or MMSE score changes.
Main Results:
- APOE ε4 allele frequency was significantly higher in subjects experiencing cognitive decline compared to stable controls.
- Early declines in memory were associated with APOE ε4.
- Later follow-ups showed APOE ε4 associated with decline in memory, spatial recognition, naming, and attention domains.
- Adjusting for vascular factors and lipids, APOE ε4 remained a significant predictor of cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- The APOE ε4 allele provides valuable information regarding the risk of cognitive decline in longitudinal studies.
- APOE ε4 may influence cognitive function early in the prodromal stages of Alzheimer's disease.
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