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Apolipoprotein E Genotype and its Effect on Duration and Severity of Early and Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Anthony J. Brookes
Affiliation:
MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh
Celia Yates
Affiliation:
MRC Human Genetics Unit and Edinburgh University Department of Psychiatry
David St Clair*
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Edinburgh
*
Dr St Clair, University Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF

Abstract

Background

The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) 4 allele is associated with an increased risk of senile and probably presenile Alzheimer's disease. It is not yet clear whether the 4 allele also influences the duration/rate of progress of illness and the severity of the dementia.

Method

We have retrospectively examined a series of ApoE genotyped presenile and senile autopsy cases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) for length of illness and severity of pathology.

Results

We find no evidence that ApoE genotype affects the rate of progress of AD, but the degree of pathology at death may be increased.

Conclusion

It appears that the rate of progress of AD as a whole is independent of the ApoE genotype.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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