Background: No study has assessed the association between apolipoproteinE (APOE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) forms grouped by also taking into account cognitive performance.
Aims of the study: To assess the relationship between APOE and disease course, particularly focusing on benign MS (BMS), defined as also including cognitive preservation.
Methods: In 173 consecutive patients, we assessed the association between APOE and MS course and severity.
Results: Twenty-nine APOE-epsilon4 carriers were identified. The epsilon4 allele was not associated with BMS. Moreover, it was associated neither with other disease courses nor with the time to reach disability milestones and secondary progression.
Conclusion: Although plausible, the association between APOE and MS course (particularly with BMS defined by including cognitive preservation) and disease severity remains controversial.