Longevity and cognitive resilience in a Colombian family carrying the APOE ε2 variant

Journal of Alzheimer s Disease 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Alejandro Guerrero, Nelson David Galvis-Garrido, Yamile Bocanegra, Daniel Vásquez, Juan Camilo Becerra, Yesica Zuluaga, Ana Baena, Victoria Zubiri, Diana Alzate, Laura Osorio, Liliana Hincapíe, Lucía Madrigal
+14 more G Héctor Iván García, Claudia Guzmán, Feliza Restrepo, Mónica Vidal, Lusiana Martínez, Jairo E. Martínez, Vincent Malotaux, Catarina Tristão-Pereira, Paula Perez-Corredor, Guido N. Vacano, Francisco Lopera, Joseph F. Arboleda‐Velasquez, Yakeel T. Quiroz, David Aguillon
DOI: 10.1177/13872877261449392
Cited by: 1
References: 35

Abstract

APOE is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Despite global efforts to promote resilience, delay cognitive decline, and slow aging, APOE ε2, one of the most robust resilience-associated variants, remains relatively underexplored in translational research. Exceptional longevity offers a window into cognitive trajectories. We present clinical, cognitive and neuroimaging data from five APOE ε2/ε3 siblings aged 94–105. Cognition ranged from normal to mild dementia. MRI showed less atrophy than expected for advanced age, and FDG-PET revealed preserved metabolism. Findings demonstrate APOE ε2-associated resilience in the oldest-old and offer insight into mechanisms of exceptional cognitive aging with potential translational relevance.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research Alzheimer's disease research and treatments Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Journal of Alzheimer s Disease
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Volume
112
Issue
1
Pages
104–111
Publication date
4 June 2026
Language
EN