The current central dogma of long-term cognitive impairment after intensive care admission suggests an underlying neuroinflammatory dysregulation affecting neuronal function. This pathological process has not been fully elucidated and there has been little research into its genetic associations. Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes cognitive impairment through a process of abnormal beta amyloid deposition and neuronal death through localised activation of the innate immune system. It is the most prevalent disease affecting cognition. The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is implicated in the progression of late-onset Alzheimer's disease and is a recognised neuroinflammatory modulator. It is possible that young individuals exposed to high levels of inflammation may experience an acceleration of this process. This study sets out to look for an association between APOE-∈4 possession and poor cognitive outcome after a major burn injury and intensive care admission.
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APOE genotype
Timeframe: Twelve month recruitment window