Neuro-SysMed Seminar September 16, 2026
Welcome to the Neuro-SysMed monthly seminar series! Join us in the auditorium at Armauer Hansens Hus from 11:30 to 13:00 (lunch will be served from 11:30 to 12:00). This time, the topic will focus on dementia research.
Speaker
Dr Kristoffer Haugarvoll from Neuro-SysMed's Dementia Node (external link).
Topic
"Alzheimer's Disease and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) – good, bad and targetable"
Registration
Please register through this link (external link). The deadline if you would like to join the lunch is Sept. 14 at 11.00. Till the seminar starts, if not.
Time and place
Place: The auditorium in Armauer Hansens Hus
When: September 16, 2026 at 11:30 - 13:00 (lunch 11:30 - 12:00).
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, with its prevalence rising rapidly as populations age. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) remains the most important and common genetic risk factor, influencing the majority of AD cases. APOE alleles are also associated with other dementias, such as Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD). The APOE ε4 allele substantially increases disease risk, whereas ε2 is protective relative to the common ε3 allele. The ε3 allele is also associated with amyloid deposition and other pathogenic mechanisms of AD, although less strongly than the APOE ε4 allele. These alleles encode three apoE protein isoforms that differ by only two amino acids but exert distinct biological effects. Beyond its central role in lipid transport and cholesterol homeostasis, apoE influences multiple pathways involved in neurodegeneration. ApoE is associated with amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation and deposition. In addition, apoE isoforms differentially modulate neuroinflammation, synaptic function, vascular integrity, and other Aβ-dependent and independent mechanisms. The complexity of apoE biology presents both challenges and opportunities for therapeutic development.