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APOE ε4 is associated with exacerbation of cognitive decline in patients with multiple sclerosis

Jiong Shi1, Jiang-Long Tu, Shawn D Gale

  • 1Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA. jiong.shi@chw.edu

Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology : Official Journal of the Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Neurology
|September 28, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Apolipoprotein E ε4 carriers with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience accelerated cognitive decline. This genetic factor specifically predicts worsening verbal learning and memory deficits over one year.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Genetics
  • Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

  • Previous research links Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype to cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • The APOE ε4 allele is a known genetic risk factor for various neurological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if APOE ε4 genotype exacerbates the progression of cognitive deficits in patients with MS.
  • To determine the predictive value of APOE ε4 status on cognitive decline in MS.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed APOE genotype in 197 MS patients.
  • Measured baseline cognitive performance using standardized tests.
  • Followed 170 MS patients for 1 year to assess cognitive progression.

Main Results:

  • APOE ε4 allele was present in 24.7% of the MS cohort.
  • Significant progression of cognitive deficits observed in APOE ε4 carriers over 1 year (P=0.001).
  • Logistic regression controlled for demographic and clinical factors.

Conclusions:

  • APOE ε4 carriers with MS exhibit a worse progression of cognitive deficits compared to non-carriers.
  • APOE ε4 carrier status is a significant predictor of cognitive decline, particularly in verbal learning and memory.

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