Normal distribution of apolipoprotein E alleles in progressive supranuclear palsy

Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) genotype is a genetic risk factor influencing the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), like AD, is a dementing illness with neurofibrillary tangles. We determined the frequencies of Apo E alleles in 52 PSP patients and 52 age- and gender-matched controls. The distribution of Apo E allele frequencies and genotypes showed no difference between PSP and controls. Apo E allele status does not influence the development of PSP.