title: Influences of APOE ε4 and expertise on performance of older pilots.
abstract: Little is known about how APOE ε4-related differences in cognitive performance translate to real-life performance, where training and experience may help to sustain performance. We investigated the influences of APOE ε4 status, expertise (FAA pilot proficiency ratings), and their interaction on longitudinal flight simulator performance. Over a 2-year period, 139 pilots aged 42-69 years were tested annually. APOE ε4 carriers had lower memory performance than noncarriers (p = .019). APOE interacted with Expertise (p = .036), such that the beneficial influence of expertise (p = .013) on longitudinal flight simulator performance was more pronounced for ε4 carriers. Results suggest that relevant training and activity may help sustain middle-aged and older adults' real-world performance, especially among APOE ε4 carriers.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Health Care System. Palo Alto, CA 94304-1207, USA. joyt@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Joy L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Quinn
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Maheen M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Adamson
authors.forename: Laura C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Lazzeroni
authors.forename: Art
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Noda
authors.forename: Greer M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Jerome A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Yesavage
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000401:Aircraft; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D000070356:Pilots; D011361:Professional Competence; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D053327:Apolipoprotein E4