Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism and Cognitive Function Change of the Elderly in a Rural Area, Korea.
10.3961/jpmph.2009.42.4.261
- Author:
Sang Kyu KIM
1
;
Tae Yoon HWANG
;
Kyeong Soo LEE
;
Pock Soo KANG
;
Hee Soon CHO
;
Young Kyung BAE
Author Information
1. Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University, College of Medicine, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; English Abstract
- Keywords:
Apolipoprotein E;
Polymorphism;
Aging;
Cognition
- MeSH:
Aged;
Apolipoproteins E/*genetics;
Cognition/physiology;
Cognition Disorders/etiology/*genetics;
Female;
Humans;
Korea;
Male;
Polymorphism, Genetic
- From:Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
2009;42(4):261-266
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the cognitive function change related to aging, the incidence of cognitive impairment, and the association between apolipoprotein E polymorphism and cognitive impairment through a follow-up of the elderly with normal cognitive ability at baseline. METHODS: Two hundred and fifteen subjects aged 65 and over were surveyed in February, 1998 (baseline survey), and their cognitive function was assessed again in 2003 (1st follow-up) and the once again in 2006 (2nd follow-up). Ninety one subjects completed all surveys up through the 2nd follow-up and their cognitive function scores using MMSE-K (Korean Version of the Mini-Mental State Examination) and the distribution of apolipoprotein E allele were analyzed. RESULTS: The cognitive function scores decreased with aging and the difference between baseline and the 2nd follow-up scores of the study increased with the age group. The incidence rate of cognitive impairment through an 8-year follow-up was 38.5% and higher in older age groups. Age was the only significant factor for incidence of cognitive impairment, but there was no significant association between apolipoprotein E genotype and incidence of cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The cognition of the elderly decreased with aging and the association of apolipoprotein E genotype with incidence of cognitive impairment was not significant in this study. To confirm the association between apolipoprotein E polymorphism and incidence of cognitive impairment further studies will be needed.
