IngentaConnect Association between apolipoprotein E 4 allele and apathy in proba...

Authors: Monastero, R.¹; Mariani, E.²; Camarda, C.¹; Ingegni, T.²; Averna, M. R.³; Senin, U.²; Camarda, R.¹; Mecocci, P.²

Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 113, Number 1, January 2006 , pp. 59-63(5)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

Abstract:

Monastero R, Mariani E, Camarda C, Ingegni T, Averna MR, Senin U, Camarda R, Mecocci P. Association between apolipoprotein E ɛ4 allele and apathy in probable Alzheimer's disease. <br />Acta Psychiatr Scand 2005: 1–5. © 2005 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objective:

There have been inconclusive results to date on the association between the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether ApoE ɛ4 allele is associated with NPS in probable AD. Method:

Data for 197 subjects with probable AD were analysed. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory was used to evaluate the frequency and severity of NPS. Multiple logistic regression models were used to test the association between ApoE genotype and NPS in AD. Results:

The ApoE ɛ3/3 genotype was present in 52.3%, ɛ3/4 in 44.1%, and ɛ4/4 in 3.6% of patients. ApoE ɛ4 carriers showed a higher frequency of apathy than non-carriers. After multiple adjustments, the ApoE ɛ4 allele was significantly associated with apathy. Conclusion:

Our results suggest a relationship between the ApoE ɛ4 allele and apathy in patients with AD.

Keywords: dementia; Alzheimer's disease; behavioural symptoms; apolipoprotein E; logistic models

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2005.00597.x

Affiliations: 1: Laboratory of Epidemiology and Psychology of Aging and Dementia, Section of Neurology and Psychiatry, DiNOOP, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy 2: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy 3: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy

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