Abstract:
Investigations suggest a link between the ApoE e4 allele, a genetic risk factor for AlzheimerÂ’s disease and outcome from brain injury. ApoE e4 is associated with excessive beta amyloid protein deposits in autopsy studies of severe brain injury. Animal studies demonstrate the role of ApoE in neuronal repair after head injury. ApoE-deficient brain injured mice are less able to produce antioxidant reducing substances than control mice, and exhibit more pronounced motor and spatial memory deficits. To date, there have been no prospective investigations examining patients over time to determine whether ApoE e4 is a risk factor for decreased recovery following brain injury. A prospective, longitudinal study is proposed, with patients undergoing genotyping and baseline assessment acutely after their brain injury and then receiving follow-up assessments at 1 year post-injury