Low blood pressure is a better predictor of cognitive deficits than the apolipoprotein e4 allele in the oldest old

Objective - To study the correlates of cognitive deficits in persons 80 years and older. Materials and methods-Data from 271 individuals between 80 and 102 years of age, drawn from a central registrar (response rate 50%) were analyzed regarding a apolipoprotein E (Apo-E) polymorphism, blood pressure (BP), homocysteine, sex, age and education as predictors for low score on Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE). Results - Low systolic and diastolic BP were highly associated with low score on the MMSE, followed by age and Apo-E e4. No relationship was found between Apo-E allele groups and BP. Homocysteine, sex, and education were only of marginal importance. Conclusions - Hypotension is an important factor for performance on the MMSE. To some extent, this was also true for having the Apo-E e4 allele. A combined effect on cognition for these two factors was not found.