Apolipoprotein E e4 Status Predicts Memory Performance and Daily Functioning in Aging Hispanic/Latino Adults.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Genetics

Background:

• The Hispanic/Latino population faces a disproportionately high projected increase in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) by 2060.
• The apolipoprotein (APOE) e4 allele and family history are known dementia risk factors, but their specific impact on cognitive and functional outcomes in Hispanic/Latino adults is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictive roles of APOE e4 status and family history of cognitive impairment on neuropsychological performance and daily functioning in aging Hispanic/Latino adults.
• To examine potential main and interactive effects of these risk factors within this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 475 aging Hispanic/Latino adults in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center cohort.
• Assessment of neuropsychological performance and informant-reported daily functioning.
• Statistical examination of APOE e4 status and family history main and interaction effects.

Main Results:

• APOE e4-positive participants showed significantly poorer verbal and visual recall compared to e4-negative participants.
• APOE e4 status was associated with worse informant-reported daily functioning.
• A significant interaction between APOE e4 status and family history was found for auditory attention, with e4-positive individuals with a family history performing best.

Conclusions:

• APOE e4 status appears to be a more reliable predictor of cognitive and functional outcomes related to ADRD in the Hispanic/Latino population than family history alone.
• Findings underscore the importance of considering APOE e4 status in risk assessment and intervention strategies for ADRD in aging Latinos.
• Urgent development of interventions is needed to maintain cognitive and daily functioning in this population due to projected ADRD prevalence increases.