Gene variant leads to faster cognitive decline: researchBy Lin Chih-yi and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writerOlder people who carry the apolipoprotein E epsilon-4 allele (APOE e4) gene experience a significantly faster decline in cognitive function, particularly after the age of 70, research released on Monday by the National Health Research Institutes said. The study found that cognitive function declines with age regardless of genetic background, but the decline is significantly faster among people who carry the APOE e4 gene. By age 65, most already show abnormal amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, with many beginning to exhibit signs of cognitive decline, she said. The study also found no clear evidence during the observation period that other non-APOE genetic risk factors had a measurable impact on cognitive decline, she added. The study, “APOE e4 and Accelerated Cognitive Decline Among Cognitively Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults,” was published on March 6 on the JAMA Network Open.

Source: Taipei Times March 18, 2026 03:41 UTC