Researchers typically recognize the APOE e4 gene as a significant genetic risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. However, a new study has found that the allele is not linked to neurodegeneration for all races and ethnic groups, specifically for American Indian populations. Dr. Astrid Suchy-Dicey joins the podcast to discuss her study, the importance of representation in Alzheimer’s disease research, hypotheses for why this allele isn’t a risk factor for all populations and what it means for research going forward.

Guest: Astrid Suchy-Dicey, PhD, epidemiologist, assistant research professor, Washington State University, Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health (IREACH)

Read the research highlights of Dr. Suchy-Dicey’s study on the National Institute of Aging website.

Read Dr. Suchy-Dicey’s study, “APOE genotype, hippocampus, and cognitive markers of Alzheimer's disease in American Indians: Data from the Strong Heart Study,” through the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia’s website.

Learn more about the Strong Heart Study on their website.

Find transcripts and more at our website.

Email Dementia Matters: [email protected]

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Subscribe to the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s e-newsletter.