The Association of Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism With Cognitive Performance in Nondemented Polish Adults Aged 55 to 75

Abstract

The ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is known as a risk factor for dementia. How APOE ε polymorphism affects cognitive performance in nondemented aging subjects remains less clear. In this study, the relationship between APOE status and cognitive performance across various cognitive domains in adults aged 55 to 75 years ( n = 74) without dementia was investigated. E4 carriers ( n = 11) performed worse versus noncarriers on forward Digit Span and delayed recall of the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure. General linear model analysis revealed a small but significant main effect of ε4 on Rey-Osterrieth complex figure delayed recall. Comparing ε2 carriers, ε3 homozygotes, and ε4 carriers, ε3/ε3 performed significantly better on Trail Making Test part B and derived score Trail Making Test B-A. The findings support the relation between the APOE ε polymorphism and visual memory, short-term auditory memory, visuospatial attention, and executive functions in an aging sample without dementia.

Interaction between apolipoprotein E genotypes, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cognitive function in obstructive sleep apnea patients

“…[4][5][6] The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene is located in the long arm of chromosome 19 and presents 3 different alleles (ε2, ε3, and ε4) paired independently. 7 The ApoEε4 allele is associated with a cognitive deficit in otherwise normal individuals, age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, and cardiovascular disorders, [7][8][9][10][11] as well as OSAS in adults and children. [9][10][11] The ApoEε2 allele is considered neuroprotective and is associated with a lower age-related cognitive decline and a lesser predisposition to Alzheimer's disease.…”