Modifiable risk factors, APOE and risk of Alzheimer disease: one size does not fit all

IntroductionEvaluating the generalizability of dementia risk scores, primarily developed in non-Latinx White (NLW) participants, and interactions with genetic risk factors in diverse populations is crucial for addressing health disparities. MethodsWe analyzed the association of the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) and modified CAIDE (mCAIDE) scores with dementia risk using logistic regression models stratified by race/ethnicity in NACC and ADNI, and assessed their interaction with APOE. ResultsHigher CAIDE scores were associated with an increased risk of dementia in Asian, Latinx, and NLW participants but not in Black participants. In contrast, higher mCAIDE scores were also associated with an increased risk of dementia in Black participants. Unfavorable mCAIDE risk profiles exacerbated the APOE*{varepsilon}4 risk effect and attenuated the APOE*{varepsilon}2 protective effect. DiscussionOur findings underscore the importance of evaluating the validity of dementia risk scores in diverse populations for their use in personalized medicine approaches to promote brain health.