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Several studies have reported an association of the apolipoprotein E allele epsilon 4 (APOE*4) to familial and sporadic late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Here we report on the relationship between APOE*4 and early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) in a Dutch population-based study. The frequency of the APOE*4 allele was 2.3 times higher among EOAD cases compared to controls. Among patients, the allele frequency was 1.6 times higher in those with a positive family history than in those without. A significant increase in risk of EOAD was found for subjects homozygous for APOE*4 regardless of family history of dementia, but an increase in EOAD risk for APOE*4 heterozygotes could only be shown in subjects with a positive family history. Our study demonstrates a significant association between APOE*4 and EOAD which is modified by family history of dementia.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/ng0594-74

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Genet

Publication Date

05/1994

Volume

7

Pages

74 - 78

Keywords

Adult, Age of Onset, Aged, Alleles, Alzheimer Disease, Apolipoprotein E4, Apolipoproteins E, Family Health, Female, Gene Frequency, Genes, Dominant, Genotype, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Netherlands, Odds Ratio, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Risk Factors