Apolipoprotein E: non-cognitive symptoms and cognitive decline in late onset Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

Holmes et al 1 presented interesting data suggesting that the presence of an apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele did not effect the rate of progression of cognitive impairment. They also examined various non-cognitive symptoms, finding a positive association between depression and ApoE ε2 genotype. We followed up 51 patients with DSMIIIR dementia, representative of those with dementia in contact with psychiatric services in the United Kingdom for one year. Standardised clinical diagnosis were made according to the NINCDS ADRDA, DSMIIIR, Hachinski scale, and the criteria of McKeith et al for senile dementia of Lewy body type. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and one year of follow up with the cognitive section of the Cambridge assessment for mental disorders in the elderly (CAMCOG). Psychiatric symptoms were also evaluated. Depression was examined using the Cornell depression scale and psychotic symptoms using the Burns symptom checklist. These were diagnosed according to RDC criteria …