Behavioural pathology in Alzheimer's disease with special reference to apolipoprotein E genotype.

The aim of this study was to define the co-occurrence of behavioural symptoms and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in relation to apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Probable AD patients from the Alzheimer's Day Clinic (n = 139) were assessed with the 'Behavioural Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease' rating scale, and their APOE genotype was determined. This study demonstrated no relationship between presence of the APOE epsilon4 allele and any of the behavioural symptoms assessed, including delusions, hallucinations, depression, activity disturbances, aggressiveness and anxiety. Activity disturbances, delusions, hallucinations and aggressiveness paralleled the severity of AD, increasing in frequency with the severity of the dementia. The prevalence of delusions, hallucinations, aggressiveness and depression were found to be associated with lower levels of education. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel