Apolipoprotein E [var epsilon]4 influences on episodic recall and brain structures in aging pilots

• Published in: Neurobiology of aging 2010-06, Vol.31 (6), p.1059-1063
• Main Authors: Adamson, Maheen M, Landy, Kelly M, Duong, Susan, Fox-Bosetti, Sabrina, Ashford, JWesson, Murphy, Greer M, Weiner, Michael, Taylor, Joy L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0197-4580
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2008.07.017

The apolipoprotein (APOE) [var epsilon]4 allele is associated with cognitive deficits and hippocampal atrophy in nondemented middle-aged and older adults. It is not known to what extent this genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) impacts performance in late middle-aged and older workers in cognitively demanding occupations. This cross-sectional analysis examines brain-cognitive-genetic relationships in actively flying general aviation pilots, half of whom are APOE [var epsilon]4 carriers. Fifty pilots were studied with structural MRI and memory tasks. Average visual paired associate memory recall performance was lower in APOE [var epsilon]4 carriers than non-carriers. Memory performance correlated positively with hippocampal volume, but no structural differences were found in hippocampal or frontal volumes with respect to APOE [var epsilon]4 allele. These results were evident in healthy professionals without any presenting memory problems and without selection for a family history of AD. These findings point to basic memory testing as a sensitive tool for detecting APOE [var epsilon]4-related influences on memory in aging workers.