Potential genetic markers of sporadic Alzheimer's dementia.

Polymorphisms within the genes encoding apolipoprotein E (ApoE), apolipoprotein CI (ApoCI), alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor and lipoprotein lipase were investigated in patients suffering from Alzheimer's dementia and non-demented psychiatric patients as control subjects. The ApoE allele 4, well known as a risk factor in Alzheimer's disease, and the ApoCI allele A2, which is closely linked to the ApoE allele 4, were found elevated in the index group. Concerning the polymorphism within exon 8 of the LDL receptor (alanin/threonin), there was also a predominance of the allele carrying threonin in the index group, which barely missed significance. Distribution of the polymorphisms of ACT and lipoprotein lipase were similar in both groups investigated. We conclude that, apart from the ApoE allele 4, other genetically regulated factors like ApoCI and the LDL receptor modulate the individual risk for Alzheimer's disease.