The apolipoprotein E epsilon4-allele and antihypertensive treatment are associated with increased risk of cerebral MRI white matter hyperintensities.

P Høgh, Ellen Garde, Erik Lykke Mortensen, O. S. Jorgensen, Katrine Krabbe, G Waldemar

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Apolipoprotein E-epsilon4 (APOE-epsilon4) is a potential risk factor for cerebral vascular disease. The aim of the present study was to examine the relative importance of APOE-epsilon4 and other relevant risk factors for the extent of cerebral white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in a community-based sample of elderly subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a cohort of 976 subjects born in 1914, APOE genotype was determined and MRI examinations were carried out in 75 subjects. WMH were rated using a standard semi-quantitative method. ANOVA and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relative importance of the potential risk factors. RESULTS: APOE genotype and antihypertensive treatment were significantly associated with severity of total WMH load (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed the association between APOE-epsilon4 and WMH. Pharmaceutical treatment for arterial hypertension was also associated with the total burden of WMH in this study.
Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Neurologica Scandinavica
Volume115
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)248-53
Number of pages5
ISSN0001-6314
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Aged, 80 and over; Alcohol Drinking; Antihypertensive Agents; Apolipoprotein E4; Brain; Cohort Studies; Female; Genotype; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Risk Factors

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