The APOE-∊4 Allele and the Risk of Alzheimer Disease Among African Americans, Whites, and Hispanics

Abstract

ALTHOUGH the association between Alzheimer disease (AD) and the apolipoprotein E ∊4 (APOE-∊4) allele has been confirmed worldwide, it has been found to be weak or nonexistent among African Americans living in New York City^1-3 and Indiana⁴ and among Nigerians.⁵ Hispanics of Caribbean origin also have an inconsistent association between AD and the APOE-∊4 allele.^2,3 While other genetic or environmental factors might account for the reduction in APOE-∊4–related AD risks in these ethnic groups compared with whites, none have been identified. This prospective study was designed to compare the cumulative risk of AD by APOE genotypes among elderly African Americans, Hispanics, and whites residing in a New York City community. Based on our previous cross-sectional studies,^1-3 we hypothesized that the risk of AD associated with the APOE-∊4 allele would be lower for African Americans and Hispanics than for whites.