Decreased cognition in children with risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
BACKGROUND
The epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE-epsilon4) and a family history (+FH) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are both risk factors for the development of AD. Although studies to identify a preclinical phase of AD have led to evidence of APOE-epsilon4- and +FH-related differences in brain and cognitive functioning in healthy adults, the relative influence of these factors in children is unknown.


METHODS
To investigate this issue, school-age children (n = 109) received standardized achievement tests, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (Copy Condition; RCFT-CC), assessment of family medical history, and buccal swab testing to determine their APOE genotype.


RESULTS
Analyses revealed that, relative to children without these risk factors, children who possess both an APOE-epsilon4 allele and a +FH of AD and/or significant memory problems (MP) obtained lower scores on nearly every cognitive test administered.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that when both AD risk factors are present, cognition may be adversely affected as early as childhood. Thus, risk factors for a disorder of pathological aging (i.e., AD) may have implications for the etiology of certain types of learning difficulties in children.
Bloss
Cinnamon S
CS
San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA. cbloss@scripps.edu
Delis
Dean C
DC
Salmon
David P
DP
Bondi
Mark W
MW
D000293:Adolescent; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4; D002648:Child; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4