Apolipoprotein E and Alzheimer's disease pathology in a diverse autopsy study

Apolipoprotein E allele 4 (APOE ε4) is the main genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), but most evidence comes from White populations in high-income countries. We investigated APOE and AD pathology in an ethnically diverse Brazilian autopsy cohort.

This cross-sectional study used Biobank for Aging Studies (BAS) data. AD pathology was evaluated with Braak, Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease, and Thal criteria. APOE genotypes were obtained from blood or brain tissue. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race, and education; interaction with race was tested.

Among 1391 participants (mean age 75.1 ± 12.4 years, 50% women, 64% White), APOE ε4showed a dose response with greater AD pathological burden and higher odds of AD diagnosis, while APOE ε2/X was protective. APOE ε4/ε4 did not show full penetrance across age groups. Associations were similar in White and Black individuals.

APOE ε4was strongly associated with AD pathology, with consistent associations across racial groups.

APOE ε4 increased AD neuropathological burden in Brazilians. APOE ε2/εX was protective against AD pathology. APOE ε4/ε4did not show full penetrance across age groups. Associations between APOE and AD pathology were similar by race. Large multiethnic autopsy study expands evidence beyond high-income country studies.