Work

Tomm40 ‘523 Gene Associated With Cognitive Performance and Decline Among Non-apoe E4 Carriers

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: The TOMM40 ‘523 gene is associated with cognitive performance, but its location near the APOE gene (linkage disequilibrium) has led researchers to suspect it does not contribute uniquely to cognition and dementia after considering the effects of APOE. We attempted to isolate the unique contributions of the TOMM40 gene to cognitive performance and decline in multiple cognitive domains among individuals with and without Alzheimer’s disease who did not possess an APOE e4 allele. In N=175 homozygous APOE e3/e3 carriers, we evaluated the relationship between TOMM40 lengths (short, long, very long) and longitudinal decline in three cognitive domains (attention, verbal memory, and executive function) using latent growth curve modeling, adjusting for cognitive status (normal, amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, or Alzheimer’s Disease). We used factor analysis to create composite scores from 10 individual cognitive test scores. Our results suggest that among homozygous APOE e3/e3 carriers, having fewer short TOMM40 alleles was associated with steeper declines in attention, verbal memory, and executive function in those with aMCI and AD. Having a higher number of very long TOMM40 alleles was associated with better cognitive performance at baseline in those with aMCI and AD. Despite its connection with the gene for APOE, TOMM40 ‘523 may have independent effects on cognitive performance and decline, particularly among individuals who are APOE e3/e3 homozygous.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1581

Authors: A Watts, E Michaelis, R Swerdlow

Institutions: University of Kansas, University of Kansas Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977