APOE and hypoalphalipoproteinemia, primary, 1: We aimed to investigate differences in the volumes of the thalamus and its nuclei and the effect on cognitive performance with respect to dementia family history (FHD) and APOE4 carriership in a middle-aged, cognitively normal cohort, without signs of global atrophy.36 We hypothesized the volume of the thalamus would be reduced in APOE4 carriers compared to non-carriers and also reduced in individuals with FHD compared to those without.