Genetic Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease in Racial/Ethnic Minority Populations in the U.S.: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives: As the United States (U.S.) population rapidly ages, the incidence of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRDs) is rising, with racial/ethnic minorities affected at disproportionate rates. Much research has been undertaken to test, sequence, and analyze genetic risk factors for ADRDs in Caucasian populations, but comparatively little has been done with racial/ethnic minority populations. We conducted a scoping review to examine the nature and extent of the research that has been published about the genetic factors of ADRDs among racial/ethnic minorities in the U.S.Design: Using an established scoping review methodological framework, we searched electronic databases for articles describing peer-reviewed empirical studies or Genome-Wide Association Studies that had been published 2005–2018 and focused on ADRD-related genes or genetic factors among underrepresented racial/ethnic minority population in the U.S.Results: Sixty-six articles met the inclusion criteria for full text review. Well-established ADRD genetic risk factors for Caucasian populations including APOE, APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 have not been studied to the same degree in minority U.S. populations. Compared to the amount of research that has been conducted with Caucasian populations in the U.S., racial/ethnic minority communities are underrepresented.Conclusion: Given the projected growth of the aging population and incidence of ADRDs, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities, increased focus on this important segment of the population is warranted. Our review can aid researchers in developing fundamental research questions to determine the role that ADRD risk genes play in the heavier burden of ADRDs in racial/ethnic minority populations.

Sex differences in associations between APOE ε2 and longitudinal cognitive decline

“…APOE ε3 is the most common allele 12 and is neutral in relation to risk for AD dementia 11 . APOE ε4 is associated with a higher risk of AD dementia 13 (mostly in non‐Hispanic White [NHW] populations 14 ), whereas APOE ε2 is associated with a lower risk of AD dementia 15 . Studies suggest that there are sex differences in the effects of APOE ε4 on AD risk, such that women with APOE ε4 are disproportionately vulnerable to cognitive impairment 16 and AD 15 compared to their counterpart men.…”

“…[NHW] populations 14 ), whereas APOE ε2 is associated with a lower risk of AD dementia. 15 Studies suggest that there are sex differences in the effects of APOE ε4 on AD risk, such that women with APOE ε4 are disproportionately vulnerable to cognitive impairment 16 and AD 15 compared to their counterpart men.…”

Feasibility of Identifying Factors Related to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia in Real-World Data

“…In our study, we summarized the risk factors for AD/ADRD by reviewing existing meta-analyses and review articles on risk and preventive factors for AD/ADRD. Compared with the previous studies [19][20][21][22][23][24], our work provides a updated review of recent publications on AD/ADRD-related risk factors. Drawing from this literature review and identified AD/ADRD factors, we explored the accessibility of these risk and preventive factors in both structured and unstructured EHR data.…”

Sex difference in the associations of socioeconomic status, cognitive function and brain volume with dementia in old adults: Findings from the OASIS study

“…Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. 4 The common risk factors for AD dementia include age, genetics, family history, race/ethnicity, 5 low education, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, hypertension, hearing impairment, depression, physical inactivity, diabetes, poor heart health, and traumatic brain injury. 6, 7 Addressing preventable risk factors (e.g.…”