Possible Association of APOE Genotype with Working Memory in Young Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Possession of the ε4 allele of the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Early adult life effects of ε4 are less well understood. Working memory has been relatively little studied (compared to episodic memory) in relation to APOE genotype despite its importance in cognitive functioning. Our hypothesis was that ε4 would lead to an impairment in working memory in young adults.

Methods

We studied working memory using a computerised n-back task in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) at age 18. Data was available for 1049-1927 participants and for the 2- and 3-back versions of the task. Using multiple and multi-level regression controlling for important confounders we examined the association

SUBMITTER: Sinclair LI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4545585 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature