Rate of progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease: effect of butyrylcholinesterase K gene variation

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2005 May;76(5):640-3. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2004.039321.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the K variant allele of butyrylcholinesterase have a slower rate of cognitive decline than those without the K variant allele of butyrylcholinesterase.

Method: The cognitive status of 339 community based subjects with AD was assessed with the Mini Mental State Examination at baseline and yearly over a three year follow up period. The rates of cognitive decline of subjects with and without the K variant allele were compared.

Result: Presence of the K allele was associated with a slower average rate of cognitive decline in subjects with severe AD.

Conclusions: This finding is consistent with the suggestion that the K variant of butyrylcholinesterase has an important role in disease progression in AD, and this may have implications for treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alleles
  • Alzheimer Disease / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease / enzymology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics
  • Butyrylcholinesterase / genetics*
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests

Substances

  • Butyrylcholinesterase