Parietal cortex activation predicts memory decline in apolipoprotein E-epsilon4 carriers

Neuroreport. 2006 Nov 6;17(16):1683-6. doi: 10.1097/01.wnr.0000239954.60695.c6.

Abstract

Apolipoprotein E-epsilon4 is the main known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Functional abnormalities in the parietal cortex have been reported for Alzheimer's disease patients and also for those at risk. Hence, a critical question is whether measurements of parietal cortex integrity may predict negative outcome among at-risk persons. We studied nondemented apolipoprotein E-epsilon4 carriers and found a significant relationship between parietal blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging response during a word categorization task and subsequent episodic memory performance. Thus, the results show that parietal cortex alterations predict memory decline in nondemented apolipoprotein E-epsilon4 carriers, and hence likely progression to Alzheimer's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Apolipoprotein E4 / genetics*
  • Brain Mapping
  • Female
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Memory Disorders / genetics
  • Memory Disorders / physiopathology
  • Parietal Lobe / physiopathology*
  • Predictive Value of Tests

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein E4