APOE‐specific Cognitive Effects of Levetiracetam in Mid‐Age Adults

Low-dose levetiracetam selectively enhanced executive function in mid-age APOE33 individuals, but did not modify performance in APOE4+ carriers, despite literature reporting brain hyperactivity in this at-risk group. Consistent with existing findings that an 18-month intervention with low-dose levetiracetam slows cognitive decline and brain atrophy in non-APOE4+ individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to AD, this drug may be used prophylactically in those who don't carry an APOE4 risk variant. Ongoing future work must verify whether Levetiracetam modifies brain hyperactivity in APOE4+ individuals, and if so, what are the longer-term cognitive and neurological consequences of this intervention.