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

Journal article

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.

Authors: Holmes, C; Ballard, C; Lehmann, D; David Smith, A; Beaumont, H

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
• Volume: 76
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 640-643
• Publication date: 2005-05-01
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2004.039321
• EISSN: 1468-330X
• ISSN: 0022-3050
• Language: English
• Keywords: Aged, 80 and over; Butyrylcholinesterase; Cohort Studies; Genetic Variation; Alzheimer Disease; Cognition Disorders; Male; Alleles; Female; Demography; Aged; Humans; Genotype; Neuropsychological Tests