Apolipoprotein E genotypes associated with Alzheimer disease and concomitant stroke

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Neurology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD).
• Previous research suggests a link between stroke and increased risk of developing AD.
• The interplay between APOE genotype, AD, and stroke risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the APOE gene and Alzheimer disease.
• To determine the comorbid risk of stroke in individuals with Alzheimer disease and specific APOE genotypes.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of the APOE gene in 48 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer disease.
• Genotyping of the APOE gene in 48 age- and sex-matched control subjects.
• Statistical analysis to assess the risk of AD and stroke based on APOE genotype.

Main Results:

• Carriers of the APOE ε3/ε4 genotype or the ε4 allele showed a significantly increased risk for Alzheimer disease (OR = 4.1-4.2).
• A significantly higher risk of stroke was observed in Alzheimer disease patients carrying the APOE ε3/ε4 genotype or the ε4 allele (OR = 5.5-9.0).

Conclusions:

• This study establishes a significant relationship between the APOE ε4 allele and the co-occurrence of Alzheimer disease and stroke.
• The findings highlight the role of APOE ε4 as a risk factor for both AD and stroke in the studied Tunisian population.