Abnormal brain structure mediates the association between ApoE4 and slow gait among patients with pathological cognitive impairment: Results from the Ontario Neurodegenerative Research Initiative

Background Presence of at least one copy of the polymorphic apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (ApoE4) increases the risk of impairments of gait performance, particularly in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment or at risk of dementia; however, its underlying neural mechanism are unclear. This study examined the association among ApoE4, gait performance, and brain structural changes among elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. Method Overall, 269 older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, cerebrovascular disease with and without cognitive impairment, and mild cognitive impairment were included from the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative, who were either ApoE4 carriers (n=98) or non‐ApoE4 (n=171) carriers. Gait speed was measured using an electronic walkway; speed