Apolipoprotein E polymorphism carriers exhibit objective cognitive deficits: a single center trial.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Gerontology

Background:

• Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism is a known genetic factor influencing cognitive function.
• Understanding the regional prevalence and impact of ApoE genotypes is crucial for cognitive health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between objectively measured cognitive function and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism in a specific geographic region.
• To analyze the distribution of ApoE genotypes and their association with cognitive performance in an elderly cohort.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-one patients aged 55-90 were enrolled from a memory clinic.
• Cognitive function was assessed using neuropsychological scales, including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
• Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotyping was performed on venous blood samples using PCR amplification and chip hybridization.

Main Results:

• The most prevalent genotype was ε3/3 (40 patients), followed by ε3/4 (12 patients) and ε2/3 (7 patients).
• Allele frequencies were ε3 (81.15%), ε4 (13.11%), and ε2 (5.74%).
• Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 carriers exhibited significantly lower MMSE (18.14 ± 0.39) and MoCA (14.36 ± 7.56) scores compared to non-ε4 carriers (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The ε3/3 genotype was the most common, with ε4 carriers demonstrating notable deficits in memory and overall cognitive function.
• The findings underscore the significant impact of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 carriage on cognitive performance in the studied population.
• This research contributes to understanding the genetic underpinnings of cognitive aging within a specific geographic context.