Decreased cognition in children with risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE-epsilon4) and a family history (+FH) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are both risk factors for the development of AD. Although studies to identify a preclinical phase of AD have led to evidence of APOE-epsilon4- and +FH-related differences in brain and cognitive functioning in healthy adults, the relative influence of these factors in children is unknown.

Methods

To investigate this issue, school-age children (n = 109) received standardized achievement tests, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (Copy Condition; RCFT-CC), assessment of family medical history, and buccal swab testing to determine their APOE genotype.

Results

Analyses revealed that, relative to children without these risk factors, children

SUBMITTER: Bloss CS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2607139 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature