Apolipoprotein E e4 Allele is Associated With More Rapid Motor Decline in Older Persons

We tested the hypothesis that apolipoprotein E allele Status predicts the rate of motor decline in the elderly. Eight hundred seventy-six older participants without dementia underwent baseline and annual motor testing for LIP to 10 years. In I generalized estimating equation controlling for are, sex, and education, motor function declined by about 0.03 U/y. The presence of epsilon 4 allele was associated with it 2-fold increase in rate of motor decline [epsilon 4 allele x time: estimate-0.027 (SE 0.012, P = 0.025)]. The association of epsilon 4 allele with motor decline Persisted even after controlling for cognitive status, race, body mass index, vascular risk factors, and diseases. Further analyses suggested that the association of epsilon 4 with motor decline wits for the most part explained by the association between epsilon 4 allele and change in muscle strength. These results suggest that the presence of epsilon 4 allele is a risk factor for more rapid motor decline ill the elderly.