The purpose of this research
was to study the relationship of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) with
cognitive performance in healthy elderly with different APOE genotypes. In
total, 158 subjects were separated into 3 groups (ε2 carriers, ε4 carriers and ε3
homozygotes). Group differences of regional
WMH volume were calculated. Subsequent correlation analysis between regional WMH
burden and behavior data was performed. Detrimental
effect of APOE ε4
allele on white matter structure was found while no protective effect of APOE ε2 was observed; WMH volume was significantly
correlated with processing speed and executive ability, especially in APOE ε4
carriers.
