AUTHOR=Skoog Ingmar , Hörder Helena , Frändin Kerstin , Johansson Lena , Östling Svante , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Zettergren Anna 

TITLE=Association between APOE Genotype and Change in Physical Function in a Population-Based Swedish Cohort of Older Individuals Followed Over Four Years

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2016

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2016.00225

DOI=10.3389/fnagi.2016.00225

ISSN=1663-4365

ABSTRACT=<p>The association between decline in physical function and age-related conditions, such as reduced cognitive performance and vascular disease, may be explained by genetic influence on shared biological pathways of importance for aging. The apolipoprotein E (<italic>APOE</italic>) gene is well-known for its association with Alzheimer’s disease, but has also been related to other disorders of importance for aging. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between <italic>APOE</italic> allele status and physical function in a population-based longitudinal study of older individuals. In 2005, at the age of 75, 622 individuals underwent neuropsychiatric and physical examinations, including tests of physical function, and <italic>APOE</italic>-genotyping. Follow-up examinations were performed at age 79. A significantly larger decline in grip strength (<italic>p</italic> = 0.015) between age 75 and 79 was found when comparing <italic>APOE</italic> 𝜀4 allele carriers with non-carriers [10.3 (±10.8) kg versus 7.8 (±10.1) kg]. No association was seen with decline in gait speed, chair-stand, or balance. The association with grip strength remained after correction for cognitive and educational level, depression, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and BMI.</p>