Genetic associations of autopsy-confirmed vascular dementia subtypes

Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord. 2011;31(4):247-53. doi: 10.1159/000327171. Epub 2011 Apr 7.

Abstract

Background/aims: Genetic risk factors have not been clearly established for vascular dementias (VaD) related to stroke and cerebrovascular disease.

Methods: Samples were genotyped for APOE, MTHFR and ICAM. Aβ levels and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities were assayed in controls and individuals with VaD.

Results: Associations were found between the APOE-ε4 allele and mixed dementia, infarct/stroke dementia and subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD), and higher Aβ1-42 levels and decreased ChAT activity. MTHFR was more associated with SIVD, mixed dementia, and lower ChAT activity.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates important differences in the genetic associations of VaD and begins to clarify the genetic basis of key pathological substrates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amyloid beta-Peptides / metabolism
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics*
  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase / metabolism
  • Dementia, Vascular* / epidemiology
  • Dementia, Vascular* / genetics
  • Dementia, Vascular* / pathology
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / epidemiology
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / genetics*
  • Male
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2) / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke* / epidemiology
  • Stroke* / genetics
  • Stroke* / pathology

Substances

  • Amyloid beta-Peptides
  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (NADPH2)
  • Choline O-Acetyltransferase