Cognitive deficits and polymorphism of apolipoprotein E in Alzheimer's disease.
The aim of this study was to test the relationship between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes and patterns of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). All subjects were diagnosed as probable AD patients on the basis of the DSM-IV and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Each subject was examined for (1) ApoE genotype, (2) general level of mental activity (Global Deterioration Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination) and (3) cognitive functions by means of a battery of neuropsychological tests. On the basis of ApoE genotype, patients were subdivided into two groups: the first group consisted of patients with at least one epsilon4 allele (epsilon4+ group), while the second one consisted of patients without the epsilon4 allele (epsilon4- group). Our results showed that several cognitive processes depended on the ApoE genotype. In early stages of AD, patients from the epsilon4+ group had greater deficits in delayed recall of new information. On the other hand, working memory appeared to be more impaired in the epsilon4- group of patients. Independent of the genotype, both groups showed similar impairment of learning ability without, however, deficits in remote memory.
Luczywek
Elizbieta
E
Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Research Center, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland. lucel@poczta.onet.pl
Nowicka
Anna
A
Pfeffer
Anna
A
Czyzewski
Krzysztof
K
Styczyńska
Maria
M
Lałowski
Maciej
M
Barcikowska
Maria
M
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D001057:Apolipoproteins E