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  • Atypical presentations of a...
    Ryan, Natalie S; Willumsen, Nanet; Nicholas, Jennifer M; Poole, Teresa; Pavisic, Ivanna M; Walsh, Phoebe; Rice, Helen; Lu, Kirsty; O'Connor, Antoinette; Weston, Philip SJ; Abel, Emily; Barkhof, Frederik; Barnes, Jo; Lashley, Tammaryn; Fox, Nick C

    Alzheimer's & dementia, 12/2023, Letnik: 19, Številka: S12
    Journal Article

    Abstract Background Autosomal dominant familial Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD), caused by APP, PSEN1 and PSEN2 mutations, is clinically and pathologically similar to sporadic AD, with both typically presenting with memory impairment. However as in sporadic AD, atypical phenotypes and neuropathological heterogeneity occur, including variable vascular Aβ deposition as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Investigating relationships between clinical, genetic and neuropathological heterogeneity in ADAD may provide insights into pathophysiological pathways relevant to AD in general. Methods 256 symptomatic individuals from ADAD families seen at our Centre were included in a survival analysis, with detailed clinical phenotype data available for 138 (101 PSEN1, 37 APP). 33 of these individuals underwent brain donation (24 PSEN1, 9 APP), all demonstrating end‐stage AD pathology. Frontal and occipital cortex sections were stained immunohistochemically for Aβ and vessel counts used to determine the proportion of cortical and leptomeningeal blood vessels affected by CAA. Results Age at onset was, on average, seven years younger for PSEN1 than APP mutations and was influenced by mutation much more than survival was. Atypical (non‐amnestic) cognitive presentations with initial behavioral, language, dyscalculic or dysexecutive symptoms, and atypical clinical features (pyramidal, extrapyramidal and cerebellar signs) were more common in PSEN1 than APP cases, particularly those with post‐codon 200 mutations. Atypical cognitive presentations were associated with longer survival. There was some indication that APOE4 carriers had longer survival and that this effect may be restricted to PSEN1. In the post‐mortem cohort, atypical cognitive presentations occurred in 15%. Additional neurological features comprised myoclonus (45%), seizures (21%), pyramidal signs (21%) and extrapyramidal signs (15%), one individual had cerebellar signs. Increased frontal cortical and leptomeningeal CAA occurred in individuals with pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs, and in PSEN1 post‐codon 200 compared to pre‐codon 200 mutations. Atypical cognitive presentations were associated with increased frontal cortical CAA. Conclusions Phenotypic heterogeneity in ADAD is influenced by causative gene and mutation type, and atypical clinical presentations are associated with increased CAA. Exploring mechanisms by which certain mutations drive Aβ deposition towards the vasculature, and how these may be impacted by other genetic factors and by therapies targeting Aβ, is an important direction for future research.