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The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is strongly associated to the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). More specifically, it seems undisputed that the APOE*4 allele plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. However, does this imply that it is ApoE4 which causes the increased susceptibility for AD? Empirical findings in non-Caucasians leave space for at least one alternative hypothesis: not the ApoE4 polymorphism but other defects in, or close to the APOE gene, could be responsible. We discuss this hypothesis, based on population and evolutionary genetic evidence.

Original publication

DOI

10.1159/000022430

Type

Journal article

Journal

Haemostasis

Publication Date

05/1998

Volume

28

Pages

195 - 201

Addresses

MGC-Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Keywords

Humans, Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, Apolipoproteins E, Evolution, Molecular, Aging, Continental Population Groups, Population, Apolipoprotein E4