Heritability of psychosis in Alzheimer disease

Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2005 Jul;13(7):624-7. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajgp.13.7.624.

Abstract

Objective: The authors have previously demonstrated familial clustering of psychotic symptoms in late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD+P) and sought to estimate and explore the nature of the heritability of LOAD+P.

Methods: The heritability of LOAD+P, defined by single and multiple psychotic symptoms, was estimated with data from the National Institute of Mental Health AD Genetics Initiative.

Results: The estimated heritability for LOAD+P defined by multiple psychotic symptoms was 61%; for LOAD+P defined by any occurrence of psychotic symptoms, it was 30%.

Conclusion: Multiplicity of symptoms may represent a useful means for defining a genetically determined LOAD+P phenotype.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Alzheimer Disease / complications*
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Genetic Linkage / genetics
  • Humans
  • Phenotype
  • Psychotic Disorders / complications*
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Psychotic Disorders / genetics*