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Article
Episodic Memory and Hippocampal Volume Predict 5-Year Mild Cognitive Impairment Conversion in Healthy Apolipoprotein ε4 Carriers
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society
  • Margaret Abraham, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  • Michael Seidenberg, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  • Dana A. Kelly, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
  • Kristy A Nielson, Marquette University
  • John L. Woodard, Wayne State University
  • J. Carson Smith, University of Maryland at College Park
  • Sally Durgerian, Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Stephen M. Rao, Cleveland Clinic
Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
8-1-2020
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Disciplines
Abstract

Objective: The Apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 allele increases the risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, but not all carriers develop MCI/dementia. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if early and subtle preclinical signs of cognitive dysfunction and medial temporal lobe atrophy are observed in cognitively intact ε4 carriers who subsequently develop MCI. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy, cognitively intact ε4 carriers (ε3/ε4 heterozygotes; ages 65–85) underwent neuropsychological testing and MRI-based measurements of medial temporal volumes over a 5-year follow-up interval; data were converted to z-scores based on a non-carrier group consisting of 17 ε3/ε3 homozygotes. Results: At follow-up, 11 ε4 carriers (38%) converted to a diagnosis of MCI. At study entry, the MCI converters had significantly lower scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) Trials 1–5, and RAVLT Immediate Recall compared to non-converters. MCI converters also had smaller MRI volumes in the left subiculum than non-converters. Follow-up logistic regressions revealed that left subiculum volumes and RAVLT Trials 1–5 scores were significant predictors of MCI conversion. Conclusions: Results from this exploratory study suggest that ε4 carriers who convert to MCI exhibit subtle cognitive and volumetric differences years prior to diagnosis.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, Vol. 26, No. 7 (August 2020): 733-738. DOI. © 2020 Cambridge University Press. Used with permission.

Citation Information
Margaret Abraham, Michael Seidenberg, Dana A. Kelly, Kristy A Nielson, et al.. "Episodic Memory and Hippocampal Volume Predict 5-Year Mild Cognitive Impairment Conversion in Healthy Apolipoprotein ε4 Carriers" Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society (2020) ISSN: 1355-6177
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kristy_nielson/68/