Apolipoprotein e gene and cognitive functioning: preliminary results from the neurocognitive study on aging

Abstract

Background. The allele e4 of the apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene, is considered a biological risk factor for cognitive decline. The distribution of the apoE defers by ethic group and geographic region. This study examined the distribution apoE gene and its effects on cognitive health in Cypriots over 60. Methods. 304 participants were recruited from the Neurocognitive Study on Aging. 42,7% had the e3/e3 allele combination, 6,5% the ε2/ε3, and 0,4% the e2/e2. Thirty-seven (12%) had at least one e4 allele. Those 37 (> 60 years) were matched on critical variables with 37 individuals with the e3/e3 (neutral) allele and were administered a neuropsychological battery. Results. Participants with at least one e4 allele had significantly lower scores on Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) than those with the neutral e3, p = .003. Hierarchical regression showed that education combined with allele type predicted performance on MMSE better than education alone, p = .002. Discussion. ApoE allele combinations make significant contributions to cognitive health. The ApoeE4 allele in combination with lower education levels increase the risk for cognitive decline in Cypriot adults.