Apolipoprotein e genotype, cortisol, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults
Brian K Lee1, Thomas A Glass, Gary S Wand
1Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|July 3, 2008
Summary
High cortisol levels are linked to cognitive decline in aging. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, specifically the epsilon4 allele, exacerbates this effect, increasing vulnerability to stress-related cognitive impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- Elevated cortisol levels are associated with stress and may contribute to cognitive decline in aging individuals.
- Genetic factors can influence an individual's susceptibility to the negative impacts of stress on cognitive function during aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene-environment interaction between apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and cortisol levels in predicting cognitive performance in older adults.
- To determine if APOE genotype modifies the relationship between stress (cortisol) and cognitive function in aging.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-sectional data from 962 urban adults aged 50-70.
- Assessment of cognitive performance across seven domains, salivary cortisol levels, and APOE genotype.
- Statistical modeling to examine the interaction between APOE genotype and cortisol on cognitive scores.
Main Results:
- Higher cortisol levels correlated with poorer cognitive performance.
- The negative association between cortisol and cognition was significantly stronger in individuals with at least one APOE epsilon4 allele.
- Carrying two APOE epsilon4 alleles in conjunction with high cortisol levels was associated with cognitive decrements equivalent to decades of aging.
Conclusions:
- APOE genotype plays a crucial role in modulating the impact of cortisol on cognitive functioning in aging.
- The APOE epsilon4 allele increases the vulnerability of the aging brain to the detrimental effects of stress.
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