The relationship between connectivity and ApoE genotype
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mapping connectivity changes across AD progression using Bayesian modelling: the impact of ApoE4 and environmental factors
IRAS ID
237552
Contact name
Francesco Di Lorenzo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Sussex
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
The most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer`s Disease (AD) is represented by a type of protein called apolipoprotein E (APOE). APOE plays a role in handling fats in the body, including cholesterol. The APOE gene comes in three variants: APOE e2, APOE e3 and APOE e4. APOE e4 is associated with a higher risk to develop AD and at a younger age.\nDespite this association, genes are only part of the picture. Regardless of the ApoE variant inherited, most people can significantly reduce their chances of getting dementia through simple lifestyle choices. Several studies showed a relationship between ApoE type and factors such as sugar intake, cholesterol levels and blood pressure, all of which can affect the risk for AD.\nIn addition, people who have been very mentally active throughout their life seem to be more resilient to dementia than those who have not.\nIn this research we will try to understand the impact of ApoE type and other environmental factors in people with AD and memory problems through using brain imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). \nPatients will be identified from those who have accessed Memory Assessment Service and have had a scan at CISC as part of their clinical assessment.\nThe aim is to correlate their imaging data with ApoE type that will be sampled from saliva. In order to do this, we will contact those who expressed their willingness to be contacted about potential participation in research (through SPFT research opt-out database), asking for their consent to the saliva swab and the questionnaire. In addition we will recruit a group of 40 healthy controls (20 younger than 65 years of age and 20 older than 65), who will receive MRI, genetic testing and questionnaire.\n
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0917
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion