Effect of the APOE promoter polymorphisms on cerebral amyloid peptide deposition in Alzheimerʹs disease

Polymorphisms in the promoter region of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) affect the amount of amyloid peptide (Aβ) in the brains of patients with Alzheimerʹs disease. We measured Aβ load immunohistochemically in regions 8 and 9 of Brodmanʹs area in 74 people with Alzheimerʹs disease. The amount of Aβ deposition was independent of APOE genotype in our cohort. These findings in patients with confirmed Alzheimerʹs disease are consistent with the hypothesis that variation in APOE expression directly affects Alzheimerʹs disease pathology.