Genetic and polygenic risk score analysis for Alzheimer's disease in the Chinese population

INTRODUCTION: Dozens of Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐associated loci have been identified in European‐descent populations, but their effects have not been thoroughly investigated in the Hong Kong Chinese population. METHODS: TaqMan array genotyping was performed for known AD‐associated variants in a Hong Kong Chinese cohort. Regression analysis was conducted to study the associations of variants with AD‐associated traits and biomarkers. Lasso regression was applied to establish a polygenic risk score (PRS) model for AD risk prediction. RESULTS: SORL1 is associated with AD in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Meta‐analysis corroborates the AD‐protective effect of the SORL1 rs11218343 C allele. The PRS is developed and associated with AD risk, cognitive status, and AD‐related endophenotypes. TREM2 H157Y might influence the amyloid beta 42/40 ratio and levels of immune‐associated proteins in plasma. DISCUSSION: SORL1 is associated with AD in the Hong Kong Chinese population. The PRS model can predict AD risk and cognitive status in this population.