THE ASSOCIATION OF APOE Ε4 STATUS WITH LOWER LIMB FUNCTION AND HANDGRIP STRENGTH IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Apolipoprotein (ApoE ε4) status has been associated with various cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer’s Disease. Some studies have found a possible relationship between the presence of an ApoE ε4 allele and the decrease of motor function in healthy older adults. The objective of this study was to measure the cross-sectional and prospective associations of ApoE ε4 status with lower limb function and handgrip strength in older adults. Design: Longitudinal observational study using data from a randomized controlled trial.Setting: Community-dwelling older adults. Participants: 1300 older adults (≥70 years old) with ApoE ε4 status from the Multidomain Alzheimer’s Preventive Trial (MAPT) were followed for three years. Measurements: Lower-limb function was measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and muscle strength was measured with a handgrip strength dynamometer. ApoE ε4 status was assessed with a blood draw. Mixed-effect linear regressions were used to examine cross-sectional as well as prospective associations between ApoE ε4 status and the outcomes. Results: No significant cross-sectional or prospective associations were found between ApoE ε4 status, lower-limb function and handgrip strength in our study. Conclusions: ApoE ε4 status was not associated with motor function in older adults.