Onset of dementia is associated with apolipoprotein E epsilon4 in Down's syndrome

Ann Neurol. 1996 Nov;40(5):799-801. doi: 10.1002/ana.410400518.

Abstract

We examined the influence of apolipoprotein E (apoE) genotype on risk of dementia in 82 adults with Down's syndrome (DS). Compared with those with an apoE 3/3 genotype, the group of adults with DS with apoE 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 genotypes were 5 times more likely to become demented (RR = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.2, 17.9). We hypothesize that the increased risk of dementia may be mediated by exacerbation of beta-amyloid deposition.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Apolipoproteins E / blood
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Dementia / epidemiology
  • Dementia / etiology
  • Dementia / genetics*
  • Down Syndrome / genetics*
  • Down Syndrome / psychology*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Apolipoproteins E