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Problems meeting basic needs moderate the association between the APOE epsilon4 allele and cognitive decline

Natalie Sachs-Ericsson1, Elizabeth Corsentino, Nicole Collins

  • 1Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306-4301, USA. sachs@psy.fsu.edu

Aging & Mental Health
|December 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Problems meeting basic needs amplify cognitive decline risk in individuals with the ApolipoproteinE epsilon4 (APOE epsilon4) allele, suggesting potential intervention targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • The ApolipoproteinE epsilon4 (APOE epsilon4) allele is a known genetic risk factor for cognitive decline (CD).
  • However, its impact on CD varies among individuals, suggesting the involvement of other modifying factors.
  • Socioeconomic factors, such as problems meeting basic needs (BN), may play a crucial role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether problems meeting basic needs (BN) modify the relationship between the APOE epsilon4 allele and cognitive decline (CD).
  • To determine if the APOE epsilon4 allele and BN interact synergistically to influence cognitive functioning in older adults.

Main Methods:

  • Community-dwelling older adults from the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE) were studied.
  • Cognitive functioning was assessed at two time points, 3 years apart, controlling for baseline cognitive status.
  • APOE genotyping was performed, and problems meeting basic needs were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Both the APOE epsilon4 allele and problems meeting BN independently predicted cognitive decline.
  • A significant interaction was observed: the influence of BN on CD was greater for individuals carrying the APOE epsilon4 allele.
  • Other socioeconomic indicators did not show this interaction effect with the APOE epsilon4 allele.

Conclusions:

  • A synergistic effect exists between perceived problems meeting basic needs and the APOE epsilon4 allele in influencing cognitive functioning.
  • While genetic risk factors are immutable, addressing resource deprivation through interventions may mitigate cognitive decline risk.
Abstract

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