The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) is tied most closely to age and appears to follow Gompertzian kinetics. However, specific genetic factors are also linked closely to AD, and the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype accounts for as much of 50% of the attributable risk for AD in many populations. This paper reviews the onset, diagnosis, and epidemiology of AD, specifically with regard to the APOE genotype and the interaction of the genotype with age.
Copyright 2004 Humana Press Inc.