1
|
Ji X, Peng X, Tang H, Pan H, Wang W, Wu J, Chen J, Wei N. Alzheimer's disease phenotype based upon the carrier status of the apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele. Brain Pathol 2024; 34:e13208. [PMID: 37646624 PMCID: PMC10711266 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele (APOE4) is universally acknowledged as the most potent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). APOE4 promotes the initiation and progression of AD. Although the underlying mechanisms are unclearly understood, differences in lipid-bound affinity among the three APOE isoforms may constitute the basis. The protein APOE4 isoform has a high affinity with triglycerides and cholesterol. A distinction in lipid metabolism extensively impacts neurons, microglia, and astrocytes. APOE4 carriers exhibit phenotypic differences from non-carriers in clinical examinations and respond differently to multiple treatments. Therefore, we hypothesized that phenotypic classification of AD patients according to the status of APOE4 carrier will help specify research and promote its use in diagnosing and treating AD. Recent reviews have mainly evaluated the differences between APOE4 allele carriers and non-carriers from gene to protein structures, clinical features, neuroimaging, pathology, the neural network, and the response to various treatments, and have provided the feasibility of phenotypic group classification based on APOE4 carrier status. This review will facilitate the application of APOE phenomics concept in clinical practice and promote further medical research on AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao‐Yu Ji
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
- Brain Function and Disease LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Xin‐Yuan Peng
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Hai‐Liang Tang
- Fudan University Huashan Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory for Medical NeurobiologyInstitutes of Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College‐Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Pan
- Shantou Longhu People's HospitalShantouGuangdongChina
| | - Wei‐Tang Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
- Brain Function and Disease LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| | - Nai‐Li Wei
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical CollegeGuangdongChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tampi RR, Bhattacharya G, Marpuri P. Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in the Era of Boxed Warnings. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:431-440. [PMID: 35781675 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide a comprehensive overview on the evaluation and management of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) using evidence from literature. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence indicates efficacy for some non-pharmacological techniques including education of caregivers and cognitive stimulation therapy and pharmacological agents like antidepressant and antipsychotics for the management of BPSD. The use of antipsychotics has generated controversy due to the recognition of their serious adverse effect profile including the risk of cerebrovascular adverse events and death. BPSD is associated with worsening of cognition and function among individuals with dementia, greater caregiver burden, more frequent institutionalization, overall poorer quality of life, and greater cost of caring for these individuals. Future management strategies for BPSD should include the use of technology for the provision of non-pharmacological interventions and the judicious use of cannabinoids and interventional procedures like ECT for the management of refractory symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh R Tampi
- Department of Psychiatry, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry &Behavioral Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH, USA. .,Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, North East Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA.
| | - Gargi Bhattacharya
- Department of Psychiatry &Behavioral Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Akron, OH, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lavie I, Beeri MS, Berman Y, Schwartz Y, Soleimani L, Heymann A, Ravona-Springer R. Trajectories of depression symptoms over time differ by APOE4 genotype in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:1567-1575. [PMID: 34010987 PMCID: PMC8845090 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The APOE-ε4 genotype has been associated with old-age depression, but this relationship has been rarely investigated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) older adults, who are at significantly increased risk for depression, a major contributor to T2D complications. We examined whether trajectories of depression symptoms over time differ by APOE-ε4 genotype in older adults with T2D. METHODS Participants (n = 754 [13.1% APOE-ε4 carrier]s) were from the longitudinal Israel Diabetes and Cognitive Decline (IDCD) study. They were initially cognitively normal and underwent evaluations of depression approximately every 18 months using the 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and the depression subscale of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). APOE was defined as a dichotomy of ε4 carriers and non-carriers. We used Hierarchical Linear Mixed Models (HLMM) that modeled the effects of APOE status on repeated GDS and NPI-depression scores in an unadjusted model (Model 1), adjusting for demographic factors (Model 2) and additionally adjusting for cardiovascular factors and global cognition (Model 3). RESULTS Participants' mean age was 71.37 (SD = 4.5); 38.2% female. In comparison to non-carriers, APOE-ε4 carriers had lower mean GDS scores (β = -0.46, p = 0.018) and lower NPI-depression scores (β = -0.170, p = 0.038) throughout all study follow period. The groups did not differ in the slope of change over time in GDS (β = -0.005, p = 0.252) or NPI-depression (β = -0.001, p = 0.994) scores. Additional adjustment for cardiovascular factors and global cognition did not alter these results. CONCLUSIONS In older adults with T2D, APOE-ε4 carriers have less depressive symptoms in successive measurements suggesting they may be less susceptible to depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inbar Lavie
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Schnaider Beeri
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel,The Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA,Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Yuval Berman
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Yonathan Schwartz
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Laili Soleimani
- The Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anthony Heymann
- Department of Family Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel,Maccabi Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ramit Ravona-Springer
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel,The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel,Psychiatric Division, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hsieh SW, Liu MW, Huang LC, Wu MN, Yang YH. The Impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Gene on Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia in Alzheimer’s Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 16:1269-1275. [DOI: 10.2174/1567205017666200103114550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) gene has drawn attention for its
possible role in regulating the degradation of β-amyloid (Aβ), yet its role in affecting the cognitive and
psychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer`s Disease (AD) patients has yet to be elucidated.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate whether the ACE gene acts as a risk factor of Behavioral and
Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in the AD population.
Method:
The genotyping of ACE and Apolipoprotein E gene with allele ε4(APOEε4) was determined
among 360s clinically diagnosed AD patients. Symptoms and severity of BPSD were evaluated annually
via Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI).
Results:
At the base measurement of the first year of patient recruitment, there were no significant contributory
risk factors to NPI score. In the two-year follow-up, ACE insertion polymorphism showed a
significant risk (adjusted odds ratio=1.65, 95% CI=1.1- 2.5, p=0.019) of progression of NPI total score.
Conclusion:
ACE gene is involved in aggravating BPSD among AD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun-Wung Hsieh
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Liu
- Department of Surgery, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Chun Huang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Ni Wu
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Han Yang
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Banning LCP, Ramakers IHGB, Deckers K, Verhey FRJ, Aalten P. Apolipoprotein E and affective symptoms in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 96:302-315. [PMID: 30513312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE APOE status has been associated to affective symptoms in cognitively impaired subjects, with conflicting results. METHODS Databases CINAHL, Embase, PsychINFO and PubMed were searched for studies evaluating APOE genotype with affective symptoms in MCI and AD dementia. Symptoms were meta-analyzed separately and possible sources of heterogeneity were examined. RESULTS Fifty-three abstracts fulfilled the eligibility criteria. No association was found between the individual symptoms and APOE ε4 carriership or zygosity. For depression and anxiety, only pooled unadjusted estimates showed positive associations with between-study heterogeneity, which could be explained by variation in study design, setting and way of symptom assessment. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence that APOE ε4 carriership or zygosity is associated with the presence of depression, anxiety, apathy, agitation, irritability or sleep disturbances in cognitively impaired subjects. Future research should shift its focus from this single polymorphism to a more integrated view of other biological factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie C P Banning
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Inez H G B Ramakers
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kay Deckers
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Frans R J Verhey
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Pauline Aalten
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qian W, Fischer CE, Schweizer TA, Munoz DG. Association Between Psychosis Phenotype and APOE Genotype on the Clinical Profiles of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2018; 15:187-194. [PMID: 28847281 PMCID: PMC6211852 DOI: 10.2174/1567205014666170829114346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosis is a common phenomenon in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The APOE ε4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for the development of AD, but its association with psychosis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE We investigated the associations between psychosis, subdivided into delusions and hallucinations, as well as APOE ε4 allele on cognitive and functional outcomes. Secondarily, we investigated the associations between APOE ε4, Lewy bodies, and psychosis. METHODS Data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) were used. Nine hundred patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AD based on the NIA-AA Reagan were included in the analysis. Global cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and functional status was assessed using the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ). Psychosis status was determined using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q). Factorial design was used to assess the effects of psychosis and APOE ε4, as well as their interaction. RESULTS Psychosis and the presence of APOE ε4 were both associated with lower MMSE scores, while only psychosis was associated with higher FAQ scores. Furthermore, patients with hallucinations had lower MMSE and higher FAQ scores than patients with only delusions. There was a significant interaction effect between psychosis and APOE ε4 on MMSE scores, with APOE ε4 negatively affecting patients with hallucinations-only psychosis. APOE ε4 was positively associated with the presence of Lewy body pathology, and both were found to be more prevalent in psychotic patients, with a stronger association with hallucinations. CONCLUSION Psychosis in AD was associated with greater cognitive and functional impairments. Patients with hallucinations-with or without delusions-conferred even greater deficits compared to patients with only delusions. The APOE ε4 allele was associated with worse cognition, especially for patients with hallucination-only psychosis. APOE ε4 may mediate cognitive impairment in the hallucinations phenotype through the development of Lewy bodies. Our findings support that subtypes of psychosis should be evaluated separately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Winnie Qian
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Corinne E. Fischer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tom A. Schweizer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David G. Munoz
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Research, The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Pathology, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Burke SL, Maramaldi P, Cadet T, Kukull W. Associations between depression, sleep disturbance, and apolipoprotein E in the development of Alzheimer's disease: dementia. Int Psychogeriatr 2016; 28:1409-24. [PMID: 27020605 PMCID: PMC4963299 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610216000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain disease that causes cognitive impairment and dementia. Within the US, AD is the most common form of dementia in the elderly, affecting 1 in 10 people over the age of 65. Sleep disturbance has been called a "public health epidemic" and, like depression, is a prodromal symptom of AD but may also contribute to the risk of developing AD. It was hypothesized that sleep disturbance, depression, and the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype increase the likelihood of AD. METHODS Utilizing data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, information from evaluations of 11,453 cognitively asymptomatic participants was analyzed. Survival analysis was used to explore the independent relationships between depression, sleep disturbance, and APOE genotypes with eventual AD diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to explore the main effects and synergistic effects of psychosocial factors as moderated by APOE genotypes. RESULTS This study reinforced the association between APOE and AD. The hazard of developing AD was eight times higher for those with recent depression and the Ɛ4 homozygote (HR = 8.15 [3.70-17.95]). Among Ɛ4 carriers with clinician-verified depression, the hazard was ten times that of the reference group (HR = 10.11 [4.43-23.09]). The hazard for Ɛ4 carriers reporting sleep disturbance was almost 7 times greater than the reference group (HR = 6.79 [2.38-19.37]). CONCLUSION Findings suggest that sleep disturbance, depression, and APOE Ɛ4 genotype are associated with AD during follow-up evaluations among a group of initially cognitively asymptomatic participants. This study contributes to the literature base exploring an increased hazard or risk of AD due to potential modifiable risk factors as well as genetic biomarkers, such as APOE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanna L Burke
- Florida International University,Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work,School of Social Work,Miami,FL,USA
| | | | - Tamara Cadet
- Simmons College School of Social Work,Boston,MA,USA
| | - Walter Kukull
- National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC),University of Washington School of Public Health,Department of Epidemiology,Seattle,WA,USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Proitsi P, Powell JF. Missense substitutions associated with behavioural disturbances in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Brain Res Bull 2012; 88:394-405. [PMID: 22414959 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2012.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia, or BPSD, occur in the majority of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. They are associated with considerable patient morbidity and greater care-giver stress. There is some evidence suggesting that BPSD have a genetic component and a large number of studies have examined the association of candidate genes with these symptoms. This review provides a comprehensive summary of all the published studies investigating the association of candidate gene missense substitutions with BPSD. Missense substitutions could potentially alter protein function or render the protein non-functional, resulting in phenotypic consequences. More than 80 studies investigating the association of 8 missense substitutions in 7 genes with BPSD were identified. However, results of these studies are contradictory and do not provide firm support for these associations. Larger studies and more systematic approaches will delineate the association of missense substitutions with behavioural symptoms in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petroula Proitsi
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Panza F, Frisardi V, Seripa D, D'Onofrio G, Santamato A, Masullo C, Logroscino G, Solfrizzi V, Pilotto A. Apolipoprotein E genotypes and neuropsychiatric symptoms and syndromes in late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2012; 11:87-103. [PMID: 21763789 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2010] [Revised: 05/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia, previously denominated as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, are often more distressing, impairing, and costly than cognitive symptoms, representing a major health burden for older adults. These symptoms are common features of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and are one of the major risk factors for institutionalization. There is a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disturbances in patients with AD, including depression, anxiety, apathy, psychosis, aggression, and agitation. At present, the role of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes in the development of NPS or neuropsychiatric syndromes/endophenotypes in AD patients is unclear. In this article, we summarized the findings of the studies of NPS and neuropsychiatric syndromes in AD in relation to APOE genotypes, with special attention to the possible underlying mechanisms. While some studies failed to find a significant association between the APOE polymorphism and NPS in late-onset AD, other studies reported a significant association between the APOE ɛ4 allele and an increase in agitation/aggression, hallucinations, delusions, and late-life depression or anxiety. However, current cumulative evidence coming from the few existing longitudinal studies shows no association of APOE genotypes with NPS as a whole in AD. Some negative studies that focused on the distribution of APOE genotypes between AD patients with or without NPS further emphasized the importance of sub-grouping NPS in distinct neuropsychiatric syndromes. Explanations for the variable findings in the existing studies included differences in patient populations, differences in the assessment of neuropsychiatric symptomatology, possible lack of statistical power to detect associations in the negative studies, and small sample sizes generating false positives that cannot be consistently replicated. Finally, many reviewed studies were cross-sectional, whereas it would be of paramount importance to evaluate the risk for incident NPS in relation to the APOE genotype in prospectively followed cohorts of AD patients. In fact, identifying predisposing genetic risk factors may allow us to understand the pathophysiological features of neuropsychiatric syndromes or symptoms in AD, so optimizing possible therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Geriatric Unit & Gerontology-Geriatrics Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
D'Onofrio G, Panza F, Seripa D, Sancarlo D, Paris F, Cascavilla L, Urbano M, Gravina C, Fontana A, Solfrizzi V, Pellegrini F, Pilotto A. The APOE polymorphism in Alzheimer's disease patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms and syndromes. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 26:1062-70. [PMID: 21905100 DOI: 10.1002/gps.2644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are a common feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), resulting in particular AD endophenotypes. The common AD genetic risk factor apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been suggested underlying these AD endophenotypes. METHODS APOE genotyping, a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory were performed on 322 consecutive older patients. Patients were divided into three groups: AD with NPS (N = 93), AD without NPS (N = 108), and, as a control group, patients with no cognitive impairment (NoCI: N = 121). Patients with NPS were further sub-divided in four groups according to the European Alzheimer's Disease Consortium (EADC) classification of neuropsychiatric syndromes in AD: hyperactive, psychotic, affective, and apathetic. RESULTS AD patients with NPS showed a significantly higher grade of cognitive impairment, more severity stage of dementia, more disability in the activities of daily living (ADL), and the instrumental ADL than AD patients without NPS. As expected, an higher frequency of APOE ε3/ε4 genotype was observed in patients with AD, both with and without NPS, than patients with NoCI. No difference in the distribution of APOE genotypes was found between AD patients with vs. without NPS. However, in AD patients APOE ε4-carriers, there was an increased risk of affective [odds ratio (OR): 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19-4.58) and apathetic (OR: 2.24,95%CI: 1.19-4.22) syndromes. CONCLUSIONS These findings did not suggest a significant association between APOE polymorphism and presence of NPS in AD patients. In AD patients with NPS, however, APOE ε4-carrier status was associated with an increased risk of affective and apathetic syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grazia D'Onofrio
- Geriatrics Unit and Gerontology-Geriatric Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS 'Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza', San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Panza F, Seripa D, D'Onofrio G, Frisardi V, Solfrizzi V, Mecocci P, Pilotto A. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, Endophenotypes, and Syndromes in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on APOE Gene. Int J Alzheimers Dis 2011; 2011:721457. [PMID: 21559196 PMCID: PMC3090058 DOI: 10.4061/2011/721457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 02/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms, previously denominated as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, are common features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and are one of the major risk factors for institutionalization. At present, the role of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene in the development of neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD patients is unclear. In this paper, we summarized the findings of the studies of neuropsychiatric symptoms and neuropsychiatric syndromes/endophenotypes in AD in relation to APOE genotypes, with special attention to the possible underlying mechanisms. While some studies failed to find a significant association between APOE and neuropsychiatric symptoms in late-onset AD, other studies reported a significant association between the APOE ε4 allele and an increase in agitation/aggression, hallucinations, delusions, and late-life depression or anxiety. Furthermore, some negative studies that focused on the distribution of APOE genotypes between AD patients with or without neuropsychiatric symptoms further emphasized the importance of subgrouping neuropsychiatric symptoms in distinct neuropsychiatric syndromes. Explanations for the variable findings in the existing studies included differences in patient populations, differences in the assessment of neuropsychiatric symptomatology, and possible lack of statistical power to detect associations in the negative studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Panza
- Geriatric Unit and Gerontology-Geriatrics Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Flirski M, Sobow T, Kloszewska I. Behavioural genetics of Alzheimer's disease: a comprehensive review. Arch Med Sci 2011; 7:195-210. [PMID: 22291757 PMCID: PMC3258720 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2011.22068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are present in the course of the illness in up to 90% of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). They are the main source of caregiver burden and one of the major factors contributing to early institutionalization. The involvement of a genetic component in BPSD aetiology seems beyond controversy, though the exact significance of particular polymorphisms is uncertain in the majority of cases. Multiple genes have been assessed for their putative influence on BPSD risk. In this paper we review the behavioural genetics of AD, particularly the importance, with respect to BPSD risk, of genes coding for apolipoprotein E and proteins involved in the process of neurotransmission: serotonin receptors, serotonin transporter, COMT, MAO-A, tryptophan hydroxylase and dopamine receptors. A general conclusion is the striking inconsistency of the findings, unsurprising in the field of psychiatric genetics. The potential reasons for such discrepancy are exhaustively discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Flirski
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
DeMichele-Sweet MA, Sweet RA. Genetics of psychosis in Alzheimer's disease: a review. J Alzheimers Dis 2010; 19:761-80. [PMID: 20157235 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2010-1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In and of itself, late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) can be a devastating illness. However, a sub-group of AD patients develop psychosis as the disease progresses. These patients have an added burden of greater cognitive impairment, higher rates of institutionalization, and higher mortality than AD patients without psychosis. While the etiopathogenesis such as psychosis in AD (AD+P) is not known, mounting evidence accrued over the past ten years indicates that AD+P represents a distinct phenotype with a genetic basis. Elucidating the genetic mechanism of AD+P is crucial if better pharmaceutical treatments are to be developed for these patients. The goal of this review is to summarize what is currently known regarding the genetic basis of psychosis in AD. Specific attention is given to familial aggregation and heritability, linkage to chromosomal loci, and associations of candidate genes of APOE and the monoamine neurotransmitter system.
Collapse
|
14
|
Pritchard AL, Harris J, Pritchard CW, Coates J, Haque S, Holder R, Bentham P, Lendon CL. The effect of the apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms and haplotypes on behavioural and psychological symptoms in probable Alzheimer's disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2007; 78:123-6. [PMID: 16980336 PMCID: PMC2077651 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2006.092122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementia commonly suffer from behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). A genetic component to BPSD development in Alzheimer's disease has been demonstrated. Several studies have investigated whether the exon 4 epsilon2/epsilon3/epsilon4 haplotype of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is associated with BPSD, with variable results. OBJECTIVE We investigated the exon 4 polymorphisms and extended this study to include promoter polymorphisms and the resultant haplotypes across the gene. METHODS Our large independent cohort of 388 patients with longitudinal measures of BPSD assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to analyse whether any of these variants were associated with the presence of BPSD. RESULTS We revealed several significant relationships before correction for multiple testing. The exon 4 haplotype was associated with hallucinations and anxiety, A-491T with irritability, T-427C with agitation/aggression and appetite disturbances, and T-219C with depression. Haplotype analyses of all variants did not reveal any statistically significant findings. CONCLUSIONS Our data and a review of previous studies showed a diversity of relationships, suggesting that these findings might be due to chance and so collectively do not support a role for the APOE gene in BPSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Pritchard
- Molecular Psychiatry Group, Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zdanys KF, Kleiman TG, MacAvoy MG, Black BT, Rightmer TE, Grey M, Garman KS, Tampi RR, Gelernter J, van Dyck CH. Apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele increases risk for psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:171-9. [PMID: 16841077 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon4 allele is a well-documented genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its association with psychopathology among AD patients has been the subject of discrepant reports. We aimed to determine whether ApoE epsilon4+ and epsilon4- AD patients exhibit a different risk profile for psychotic symptoms and other behavioral disturbances. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was administered to determine the frequency and severity of psychotic and other behavioral symptoms in a sample of n=266 AD patients who had been genotyped for ApoE. Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate the association between the ApoE epsilon4 allele and the presence of psychotic symptoms (delusions or hallucinations). Exploratory analyses were also conducted to determine the impact of disease severity on epsilon4 effects and to examine the association between epsilon4 and other behavioral symptoms. ApoE epsilon4 was significantly associated with psychotic symptoms (odds ratio (OR)=1.87, 95% CI=1.07-3.29, P=0.029), adjusting for age, sex, education, and MMSE score. More stringent definitions of clinically significant psychosis yielded similar results. Exploratory analyses suggested that this effect accrued specifically from patients with severe-stage AD and primarily from an association between epsilon4 and delusions. The epsilon4 allele did not appear to influence the development of most other behavioral symptoms in our sample. In conclusion, AD patients who carry the ApoE epsilon4 allele are at greater risk than noncarriers for developing psychotic symptoms, particularly as the severity of their dementia progresses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina F Zdanys
- Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Suh GH, Jung HY, Lee CU, Oh BH, Lee SK, Lee N, Kim J, Kee BS, Ko D, Kim YH, Ju YS, Hong I, Choi S. Effect of the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele on the efficacy and tolerability of galantamine in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2006; 21:33-9. [PMID: 16254428 DOI: 10.1159/000089217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) epsilon4 allele on the efficacy and tolerability of galantamine treatment. METHODS A total of 202 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease participated in a 16-week, prospective, multi-center, randomized, double-blind galantamine trial in a Korean population. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8 and 16 weeks of randomized treatment using the 11-item cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog/11), the Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change plus Caregiver Input (CIBIC-plus), the Disability Assessment for Dementia Scale (DAD), the Behavioural Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD) and adverse events. ApoE genotypes were determined for all subjects. RESULTS Of the 202 subjects, 115 carried at least one ApoE epsilon4 allele and 87 did not. In both ApoE epsilon4 carriers and ApoE epsilon4 noncarriers, significant improvements were detected relative to baseline on ADAS-cog/11, CIBIC-plus, DAD and BEHAVE-AD. ApoE epsilon4 noncarriers showed better improvement in mean total BEHAVE-AD score and mean psychosis (delusions and hallucinations) subscale score than ApoE epsilon4 carriers. The incidence of weight loss was significantly higher in ApoE epsilon4 carriers (n = 11; 9.6%) than in ApoE epsilon4 noncarriers (n = 1; 1.2%) during this 16-week study, even though 92% of patients who complained of weight loss completed this 16-week trial successfully. CONCLUSION ApoE epsilon4 genotype does not affect galantamine-related improvements in cognition, global rating, function and behavior. Longer prospective studies with larger patient populations are required to confirm these new findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guk-Hee Suh
- Division of Neuroscience and Psychological Medicine, Imperial College, School of Medicine, and West London Mental Health NHS, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Craig D, Hart DJ, McIlroy SP, Passmore AP. Association analysis of apolipoprotein E genotype and risk of depressive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2005; 19:154-7. [PMID: 15627763 DOI: 10.1159/000082887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are potent predictors of carer distress and admission to institutional care. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), depressive symptoms are one of the most common complaints affecting around 50% of all patients. There is speculation these symptoms result from known genetic risk factors for AD, therefore we investigated the role of apolipoprotein E epsilon4 in the aetiology of depression in AD. METHODS In this well-characterised cohort (n = 404) from the relatively genetically homogeneous Northern Ireland population, we tested the hypothesis that genetic variants of apolipoprotein E influence the risk for depressive symptoms in AD patients using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-D) to determine the presence of depressive symptoms during the dementing illness. RESULTS A total of 55% of patients exhibited a history of depression/dysphoria during the course of the illness as gathered by the NPI-D questionnaire. Forty-six percent were suffering from depression/dysphoria when the analysis was restricted to the month prior to interview. No statistically significant association between genotypes or alleles of apolipoprotein E and depression/dysphoria in AD was observed, nor was any association noted between the presence of severe symptoms and genotypes/alleles of apolipoprotein E. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest apolipoprotein E genotype creates no additional risk for depressive symptoms in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Craig
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sweet RA, Nimgaonkar VL, Devlin B, Jeste DV. Psychotic symptoms in Alzheimer disease: evidence for a distinct phenotype. Mol Psychiatry 2003; 8:383-92. [PMID: 12740595 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Though efforts to identify the genetic etiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) have made substantial progress, to date only some of the genes contributing to AD risk have been identified. Utilization of more etiologically homogeneous subphenotypes represents one strategy to facilitate the identification of novel risk genes in complex disorders. In this review, we evaluate the hypothesis that psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, define a suitable subphenotype in AD patients for gene-mapping efforts. Psychotic symptoms occur in 40-60% of patients with AD and are associated with more severe cognitive deficits and a more rapidly deteriorating course. The presence of psychotic symptoms in AD confers increased risk of similar symptoms to affected siblings. Candidate gene association analyses and initial linkage analysis have yielded significant results. We discuss possible genetic models of psychotic symptoms in AD, and suggest strategies for further investigation. Identification of such genetic factors may facilitate gene-mapping studies for both AD and idiopathic psychoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R A Sweet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15231, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu CY, Hong CJ, Liu TY, Lin KN, Wang PN, Chi CW, Chuang YY, Liu HC. Lack of association between the apolipoprotein E genotype and depression in Alzheimer's disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2002; 15:20-3. [PMID: 11936239 DOI: 10.1177/089198870201500105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The epsilon4 allele of apolipoprotein (apo E) is one of the risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). We evaluated the association between apo E genotypes and depression in patients with AD. A psychiatrist interviewed all patients and their caregivers for depression using a Chinese version of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised, and for the severity of depression using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Twenty-five of the 149 patients with AD were diagnosed with depressive disorders. The numbers of patients in each apo E genotype were 10 in epsilon2/3, 2 in epsilon2/4, 74 in epsilon3/3, 46 in epsilon3/4, and 17 in epsilon4/4. We did not find an association between depression and the presence or absence of the epsilon4 or epsilon2 allele. The HDRS scores were not different in patients with AD with the epsilon4 or epsilon2 allele or in those patients without them. Our study did not find an association between depression and the apo E epsilon4 or epsilon2 allele in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yih Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung University School of Medicine and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sweet RA, Kamboh MI, Wisniewski SR, Lopez OL, Klunk WE, Kaufer DI, DeKosky ST. Apolipoprotein E and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin genotypes do not predict time to psychosis in Alzheimer's disease. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2002; 15:24-30. [PMID: 11936240 DOI: 10.1177/089198870201500106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Psychotic symptoms occurring in Alzheimer's disease (AD + psychosis, AD + P) are a marker for a more rapidly deteriorating phenotype. We have developed a polygenic model of AD + P risk, conditioned on the presence of AD. Whether risk genes for AD itself contribute to AD + P risk is not established, although our model predicts they will not. The most important identified genetic determinant of sporadic, late-onset AD is the apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele (APOE4). The effect of APOE4 on AD phenotype is to reduce the age of onset of AD. Prior studies examining the association of APOE4 with AD + P have reported conflicting results. However, no prior studies have examined if APOE4 reduces time to onset of psychosis in AD. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of APOE4 and alpha1-antichymotrypsin/AA (ACT/AA) genotypes on time to psychosis onset in subjects with AD. A longitudinal study of psychosis incidence in 316 subjects with AD with no history of current or prior psychotic symptoms at entry was undertaken. APOE and ACT genotyping was conducted per established protocols. Data were analyzed by survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. There were no significant associations of APOE or ACT genotypes with time to psychosis onset and no significant interaction of these genotypes with time to psychosis onset. There remained no significant associations after covarying for age, age of AD onset, degree of cognitive impairment, gender, race, and education. This is the first study to examine the genetic prediction of psychosis onset in AD. The findings support the hypothesis that these two genetic determinants of AD risk do not contribute to the risk of development of psychotic symptoms in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Sweet
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Scarmeas N, Brandt J, Albert M, Devanand DP, Marder K, Bell K, Ciappa A, Tycko B, Stern Y. Association between the APOE genotype and psychopathologic symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Neurology 2002; 58:1182-8. [PMID: 11971084 PMCID: PMC3029097 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.58.8.1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric symptoms occur frequently in the course of AD, are a frequent contributor to institutionalization, predict cognitive decline and death, and often require treatment with psychotropic medications. Previous studies investigating the association between APOE genotype and psychiatric symptomatology in AD have reported contradictory results. OBJECTIVE To determine whether APOE genotype predicts incident psychiatric symptomatology in patients with AD. METHODS Eighty-seven patients with AD at early stages and no psychiatric history were followed semiannually for up to 9.3 years (mean 5.5 years) for development of delusions, illusions, hallucinations, behavioral symptoms, and depression. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relative risk for incident psychiatric symptomatology (outcome) in relation to APOE genotype (predictor). RESULTS The presence of one epsilon4 allele carried a 2.5-fold risk, whereas the presence of two epsilon4 alleles carried a 5.6-fold risk for development of delusions. The associations remained significant even when age, ethnicity, sex, education, duration of disease, and cognitive and functional performance were controlled for. The presence of two epsilon4 alleles was associated with reduced risk for developing hallucinations in the adjusted analysis only. No significant associations were detected between APOE genotype and the incidence of illusions, behavioral symptoms, or depression. CONCLUSION The presence of one or more epsilon4 alleles is a significant predictor for the incidence of delusions in the course of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Scarmeas
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Taub Institute for Research in Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|