Selective reductions in plasma Abeta 1-42 in healthy elderly subjects during longitudinal follow-up: a preliminary report.
OBJECTIVE
Longitudinal changes in plasma beta amyloid protein 1-42 and 1-40 (Abeta42 and Abeta40) levels and possible relationships with cognitive decline and apolipoprotein (APOE) genotype were studied in healthy elderly individuals.


METHODS
Authors determined cognitive level and plasma Abeta40 and Abeta42 levels twice, approximately 4 years apart, in 34 elderly subjects.


RESULTS
Analyses revealed a selective reduction in Abeta42 levels at follow-up, which were not modulated by the epsilon4 allele. Greater reductions and higher baseline plasma Abeta42 levels were associated with reductions in cognitive scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Alterations in plasma Abeta42 levels may be associated with subtle cognitive decline in elderly subjects without dementia.
Pomara
Nunzio
N
Geriatric Psychiatry Program, Nathan S. Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd., Bldg. 35, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA. pomara@nki.rfmh.org
Willoughby
Lisa M
LM
Sidtis
John J
JJ
Mehta
Pankaj D
PD
D000368:Aged; D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000097:blood*; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005838:Genotype; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D001057:Apolipoproteins E