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Apolipoprotein E, B Vitamins, and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

¹ Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths College, University of London, United Kingdom.
² Department of Neurotec, Karolinska Institutet, and Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden.
³ Department of Psychology, University of Stockholm, Sweden.

Address correspondence to David Bunce, Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths College, University of London, London, SE14 6NW, UK. E-mail: d.bunce{at}gold.ac.uk

Recognition of dated and contemporary famous faces, short-term memory, and visuospatial abilities were investigated in adults aged 75 years and older as a function of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, 4 or not 4, and whether participants recorded normal or low levels of B vitamins. No associations between B vitamins and APOE were identified in respect to short-term memory or visuospatial skills, or for contemporary famous faces. However, in respect to the recognition of dated famous faces, deficits in persons carrying the 4 allele who also recorded low vitamin B₁₂ values were found. The results suggest that the neurological structures and processes supporting face recognition may be vulnerable to the combined influence of the APOE 4 allele and low levels of vitamin B₁₂. This finding was unrelated to incipient dementia up to 6 years following testing. The results are discussed with reference to the neuroanatomical reserves that 4 carriers may possess.