Influences of APOE epsilon 4 and Expertise on Performance of Older Pilots PSYCHOLOGY AND AGING Taylor, J. L., Kennedy, Q., Adamson, M. M., Lazzeroni, L. C., Noda, A., Murphy, G. M., Yesavage, J. A. 2011; 26 (2): 480-487

Abstract

Little is known about how APOE e4-related differences in cognitive performance translate to real-life performance, where training and experience may help to sustain performance. We investigated the influences of APOE e4 status, expertise (FAA pilot proficiency ratings), and their interaction on longitudinal flight simulator performance. Over a 2-year period, 139 pilots aged 42-69 years were tested annually. APOE e4 carriers had lower memory performance than noncarriers (p = .019). APOE interacted with Expertise (p = .036), such that the beneficial influence of expertise (p = .013) on longitudinal flight simulator performance was more pronounced for e4 carriers. Results suggest that relevant training and activity may help sustain middle-aged and older adults' real-world performance, especially among APOE e4 carriers.

View details for DOI 10.1037/a0021697

View details for Web of Science ID 000291668800026

View details for PubMedID 21668123