MRI and genetic correlates of cognitive function in elders with memory impairment

The present study investigated the relationship between genetic variation, MRI measurements and neuropsychological function in a sample of 58 elders e xhibiting memory decline. In agreement with previous reports, we found that the epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) and the D allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphisms negatively modulated the cognitive performance. Further, we found an association between the A alle le of the apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) polymorphism and poorer memory and fron tal lobe function. No clear associations emerged between MRI measures of wh ite matter lesions (WML) or hippocampal sulcal cavities (HSC) and the cogni tive performance after controlling for age effects. Further, the degree of WML or HSC lesions was in general not predisposed genetically except for th e presence of the A allele of the APOC1 polymorphism that was related to a higher severity of HSC scores. Our results suggest that WML or HSC do not r epresent important brain correlates of genetic influences on cognitive perf ormance in memory impaired subjects. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rig hts reserved.