Abstract:

Apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) is a prominent genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of this review is to explore differences in structural brain volume detected by magnetic resonance imaging between cognitively intact ApoE4 carriers and non-carriers across the lifespan (i.e., older adults,middle-aged adults, young adults, children and adolescents, and neonates). Consistent findings are found throughout various developmental stages. This area of research may elucidate the mechanisms by which ApoE4 influences risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. It could also inform potential treatment strategies and interventions for carriers of the ApoE4 allele.

Key words: MRI, healthy aging, genetic risk factor, biomarker, Alzheimer’s disease