APOE epsilon 4 allele is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis.
BACKGROUND
The role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism has been well recognized in other cognitive neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer disease. Its role in multiple sclerosis (MS) is less clear, though studies indicate that 40% to 60% of patients with MS have evidence of cognitive impairment.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there is an association between APOE epsilon 4 and cognitive deficits in MS.


METHODS
We performed a standardized battery of neuropsychological tests investigating the four cognitive domains commonly impaired in MS and assessed the association of the presence of APOE epsilon 4 with cognition in MS.


RESULTS
A strong association was found between the presence of APOE epsilon 4 and cognitive deficits in patients with MS, particularly in the domains of learning and memory. This association was strongest in our youngest cohort (age 31 to 40) of patients with MS.


CONCLUSIONS
APOE epsilon 4 is significantly associated with cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the modest effects do not justify APOE genotyping of patients with MS in clinical practice.
Shi
J
J
Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA. jiong.shi@chw.edu
Zhao
C B
CB
Vollmer
T L
TL
Tyry
T M
TM
Kuniyoshi
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4 / Q000235:genetics*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000592:standards; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D005819:Genetic Markers