Low blood pressure is a better predictor of cognitive deficits than the apolipoprotein e4 allele in the oldest old.
OBJECTIVE
To study the correlates of cognitive deficits in persons 80 years and older.


METHODS
Data from 271 individuals between 80 and 102 years of age, drawn from a central registrar (response rate 50%) were analyzed regarding e apolipoprotein E (Apo-E) polymorphism, blood pressure (BP), homocysteine, sex, age and education as predictors for low score on Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE).


RESULTS
Low systolic and diastolic BP were highly associated with low score on the MMSE, followed by age and Apo-E e4. No relationship was found between Apo-E allele groups and BP. Homocysteine, sex, and education were only of marginal importance.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypotension is an important factor for performance on the MMSE. To some extent, this was also true for having the Apo-E e4 allele. A combined effect on cognition for these two factors was not found.
Hestad
K
K
Department of Psychology, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway. knut.hestad@svtntnu.no
Kveberg
B
B
Engedal
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000032:analysis*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012737:Sex Factors
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D001057:Apolipoproteins E; D006710:Homocysteine