Duke University

Laura W Shaughnessy

Donald E Schmechel

Gillian Einstein

A method of screening a subject for risk of developing Alzheimer's disease is carried out by determining the presence of at least one ApoE4 allele in a subject, and determining the presence or absence of decreased estrogen levels in the subject (e.g., due to previous or impending menopause or hysterectomy). The presence of at least one ApoE4 allele (and particularly two ApoE4 alleles) in combination with decreased estrogen levels in the subject indicating the subject is at greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (e.g., as compared to subjects with at corresponding number of ApoE4 alleles, but who do not have decreased estrogen levels), and that the subject will receive greater benefit from estrogen replacement therapy in treating Alzheimer's disease than a subject who does not carry one or two ApoE4 alleles.

Growing community of inventors

Durham, NC, United States of America

Laura W Shaughnessy