Apolipoprotein E e4 allele is associated with extrapyramidal symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are not uncommon in Alzheimer's disease (AD). As apolipoprotein E(APOE) e4 allele is a major risk factor for late-onset AD, we intend to examine the association between APOE genotype and the development of EPS in AD.

METHOD: This study describes two hundred and fifty-five clinically diagnosed AD patients aged 72 to 80 years from 2010 to 2014. We reviewed the medical charts to determine the development of EPS. APOE genotypes were also confirmed.

RESULTS

APOE e4 allele was detected in 74 patients (29%) and rigidity was among the most common EPS (61%). After adjusting the age, gender, baseline clinical dementia rating, we found AD patients carrying APOE e4 allele are more likely to develop EPS (OR: 4.515, p=0.033).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the higher coexistence of EPS in AD patients with APOE e4 allele. Furthermore, the identification of APOE e4 allele in the development of EPS in AD patients supports the hypothesis that EPS may be partially attributed to AD pathology.