Influence of Apolipoprotein E Genotype on Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy in the Elderly

Abstract

Background and Purpose The inheritance of the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) is associated with increased risk of developing dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). We have investigated whether the APOE genotype influences the severity of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in elderly individuals with or without DAT. Methods From a consecutive autopsy series, we studied 88 patients (85.2±8.1 years) without degenerative disorders other than DAT. The percentages of amyloid-laden vessels in the occipital lobes were calculated and compared between APOE genotypes. Results For ε3/3 and ε3/4 genotypes, there was a trend toward increased CAA in ε3/4 individuals for non-DAT and conversely in ε3/3 individuals for DAT patients, but these did not achieve significance. Conclusions The present study suggests that the ε4 allele is not a strong risk factor for CAA in elderly people.