APOE genotype-dependent sex differences in cortical hemodynamics measured with arterial spin labeling MRI

Identifying biomarkers that could characterize typical from atypical aging is crucial for understanding the aging process. One of the most significant genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease, an age-related neurodegenerative disorder, is the presence of an apolipoprotein-E (APOE) ε4 allele. Here, we investigate the impact of APOE genotype on cortical hemodynamics in a large cohort of participants across the lifespan, accounting for interacting effects of age, sex, and cardiovascular risk. We found unique spatial patterns of cerebral blood flow and arterial transit time between males and females within distinct APOE genotypes, potentially indicating the presence of a complex interaction.