Studying the cognitive and immunological changes that occur in old age as well 
as genetic function have been considered an important subject to differentiate 
between normal brain aging and early dementia especially Alzheimer's disease. 
The aim of this study is to stress on age-related neuropsychological and 
electrophysiological (P(300)) changes in normal Egyptian subjects, to throw 
light on the value of genetic (Apo-E(4) genotype) and immunological markers 
[interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1) in the 
serum] as tools used in early detection of cognitive decline in cerebral aging. 
Ninety-four normal Egyptian subjects (below and above 60 years) were submitted 
to the following: (1) neuropsychological tests for testing memory, perception, 
psychomotor performance and attention, (2) Eysenck Personality Questionnaire 
(EPQ) for personality traits, (3) event-related potential study (P(300), latency 
and amplitude), (4) genetic test for detection of Apolipoprotein E genotype and 
(5) immunological studies including detection of the level of IL-6 and ICAM-1 in 
serum. There was a significant impairment of memory, psychomotor performance and 
perception in elderly subjects particularly males and subjects with low level of 
education. Regarding personality, significantly high scores were obtained in 
neuroticism scale of EPQ in elderly subjects. Apo-E(3)/E(3) was the most common 
genotype encountered in Egyptian subjects (49.1%). It was found that subjects 
with Apo-E(4) genotype did significantly worse in scores of intentional memory 
test (sensory memory) when compared with other genotypes. Statistically 
significant impairment in attention and sensory memory was found in subjects 
with high IL-6 level. This could not be detected in subjects with high ICAM-1 
level. In conclusion, advancing age and lower levels of education are considered 
risk factors for cognitive decline in normal brain aging. Neuropsychological 
tests remain as the highly sensitive tools for detection of early cognitive 
impairment. Neurotic traits are more encountered in old age. Apo-E(4) genotype 
is associated with significant sensory (intentional) memory impairment. High 
IL-6 level in the serum is accompanied by significant impairment in attention 
and sensory (intentional) memory.