Maternal Age and Alzheimer's Disease

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer''s disease (AD) is contributed to by genetic factors, but the mechanism is unknown. Because of the pathological similarities between AD and Down''s syndrome, it has been suggested that increased maternal age may influence the transmission of AD. Studies which have examined maternal age in AD subjects have shown inconsistent results. We performed a case-control study using data from 214 persons referred to a Memory Clinic. The parental age of 64 patients with probable AD was compared to that of 78 patients with possible AD, 72 with other diagnoses and spouses. Although there was a trend towards higher maternal age in those with probable AD, the differences were not significant. A review of the literature reveals difficulties with case-control methodology and variability in case definition and control collection. We conclude that determining whether maternal age is increased in subjects with AD may not be possible using case-control methodology.