ApoE Tau Brains (IMAGE) Washington University School of Medicine Caption Parts of the brain important for memory have atrophied in a mouse carrying the high-risk Alzheimer's gene ApoE4, leaving a large fluid-filled hole in the brain (white area in photo at left), compared with a much smaller one in a mouse without the gene (right). A new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that the presence of ApoE4 exacerbates brain damage related to the Alzheimer's protein tau. Credit Yang Shi Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.