title: Innovative Research Design Exploring the Effects of Physical Activity and Genetics on Cognitive Performance in Community-Based Older Adults.
abstract: Physical activity is predictive of better cognitive performance and lower risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is a susceptibility gene for AD with the e4 allele being associated with a greater risk of AD. Cross-sectional and prospective research shows that physical activity is predictive of better cognitive performance for those at greater genetic risk for AD. However, the moderating role of APOE on the effects of a physical activity intervention on cognitive performance has not been examined. The purpose of this manuscript is to justify the need for such research and to describe the design, methods, and recruitment tactics used in the conductance of a study designed to provide insight as to the extent to which cognitive benefits resulting from an 8-month physical activity program are differentiated by APOE e4 status. The effectiveness of the recruitment strategies and the feasibility of recruiting APOE e4 carriers are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC.
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Etnier
authors.forename: Jeffrey D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Labban
authors.forename: William B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Karper
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wideman
authors.forename: Aaron T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Piepmeier
authors.forename: Chia-Hao
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Shih
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Castellano
authors.forename: Lauren M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Se-Yun
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Vincent C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Henrich
authors.forename: William N
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Dudley
authors.forename: Kelli L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Rulison
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4 / Q000235:genetics*; D003710:Demography; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009657:North Carolina; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D012107:Research Design
chemical_list: D053327:Apolipoprotein E4