A multilevel analysis of the influence of Apolipoprotein E genotypes on depressive symptoms in late-life moderated by the environment.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the APOE alleles and depressive symptoms of older adults, considering individual characteristics and the effect of neighborhood environment.


METHODS
Using a multilevel, stratified sampling strategy, 500 elders were recruited from official household records. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire [TDQ]. Cognitive function was assessed by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire [SPMSQ]. Blood samples were collected for the determination of the Apolipoprotein E [APOE] polymorphism. Perceived neighborhood experience was brought together using the Neighborhood Quality Index [NQI].


RESULTS
Three hundred and three subjects (58.8% male, with a mean age of 69.2 [SD=2.7] years) completed all questionnaires and the collection of blood samples. Risk factors for depressive symptoms of elders included lower educational level, cognitive impairment, having 2 or more chronic diseases, and having the APOE epsilon4 allele. In the 2-level model with individual characteristics and neighborhood environmental factors, the effect of the APOE epsilon4 allele on depressive symptoms was significantly attenuated.


CONCLUSIONS
The APOE epsilon4 allele is correlated with depressive symptoms among older adults, but moderated by neighborhood environmental factors.
Yen
Yung-Chieh
YC
Calo Psychiatric Center, Pingtung County, Taiwan.
Rebok
George W
GW
Yang
Ming-Jen
MJ
Lung
For-Wey
FW
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4 / Q000235:genetics*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000145:classification*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4