Circulating apoE4 protein levels from dried blood spots predict cognitive function in a large population‐based survey setting
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele carries risk for cognitive impairment, but whether the level of circulating apoE4 protein in carriers affects cognition is unclear, as is how health and lifestyle impact circulating apoE4 levels. METHODS: We assayed apoE4 protein levels in dried blood spots of 12,532 adults aged 50+. Regression analyses tested the likelihood of cognitive impairment between groups and within those with detected apoE4 protein. Predictors of circulating apoE4 were assessed. RESULTS: We detected protein binding that indicates the presence of an APOE ε4 allele in 28.4% of this group. This group was more likely to have cognitive impairment, and this risk increases with age. However, higher apoE4 levels were associated with less likelihood of cognitive impairment within this group. Antihypertensive medication predicted apoE4 protein levels. DISCUSSION: The apoE4 isoform is associated with a deficient protein and worse cognition. This association is modulated by the level of circulating apoE4 protein in ε4 carriers. HIGHLIGHTS: An assay to quantify apoE4 levels from dried blood spot samples was applied. The apoE4 protein was detected as specific binding at ≥30,000 pg/mL in 28.4% of samples. Having the apoE4 protein was associated with worse cognitive performance. Higher apoE4 protein levels in those who have it were associated with better cognition. Cardiovascular factors influenced levels of apoE4 protein.
Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia
DOI: 10.1002/alz.14224
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,000
Awards: G1042094442, Social Sciences & Humanities Open Cloud, Multinational Advancement of Research Infrastructures on Ageing, G1428006373, G1708035608, G1750703574, G1781191216, G24207250, G2465118858, G2496819784, G271331228, G323020161, Achieving world-class standards in all SHARE countries, G3440788226, G352270758, G434337789, Upgrading the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe – preparatory phase, G4607009072, Cohesion in further developing and innovating SHARE across all 28 member countries, G4847675667, HRS Minority Sample Expansion Competitive Revision, G503278667, Data Service Infrastructure for the Social Sciences and Humanities, Aging-related changes in brain activation and deactivation during cognition: novel insights into the physiology of the human mind from simultaneous PET-fMRI imaging, G6055688980, G6476390097, G658598066, G6678519423, G6767647029, G6969501727, Synergies for Europe's Research Infrastructures in the Social Sciences, DEVELOPING AN ISRAELI VERSION OF THE HRS/SHARE PROJECT, Enhancing the Comparability of SHARE with HRS and ELSA, Bio-medical and socio-economic precursors of cognitive decline in SHARE, G8072554765, G859642178, Longitudinal Enhancement and Access imProvement of the SHARE infrastructure, G8957671751, RAND Center for the Study of Aging, G9000113159, Understanding and Improving Healthcare Decision-Making and Outcomes for People Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
OpenAlex ID: W4402278960