Association between APOE Genotype and Change in Physical Function in a Population-Based Swedish Cohort of Older Individuals Followed Over Four Years

• The association between decline in physical function and age-related conditions, such as reduced cognitive performance and vascular disease, may be explained by genetic influence on shared biological pathways of importance for aging. The apolipoprotein F (APOE) gene is well-known for its association with Alzheimer's disease, but has also been related to other disorders of importance for aging. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between APOE allele status and physical function in a population-based longitudinal study of older individuals. In 2005, at the age of 75, 622 individuals underwent neuropsychiatric and physical examinations, including tests of physical function, and APOE-genotyping. Follow-up examinations were performed at age 79. A significantly larger decline in grip strength (p = 0.015) between age 75 and 79 was found when comparing APOE epsilon 4 allele carriers with non carriers [10.3 (+/- 10.8) kg versus 7.8 (+/- 10.1) kg]. No association was seen with decline in gait speed, chair-stand, or balance. The association with grip strength remained after correction for cognitive and educational level, depression, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and BMI.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine (hsv//eng)

Keyword

physical function

grip strength

gait speed

APOE epsilon 4 allele

dementia

apolipoprotein-e polymorphism

alzheimers-disease

cognitive decline

grip strength

allele

adults

risk

women

performance

prevalence

Geriatrics & Gerontology

Neurosciences & Neurology

alzheimers-disease

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)