APOE genotype predicts depression in women with Alzheimer's disease: a retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
The association between the APOE epsilon4 allele and depression was investigated in a retrospective study of 323 AD patients.


METHODS
Patients were divided into demographically comparable groups based on the presence or absence of depression.


RESULTS
Results showed that the frequency of APOE epsilon4 allele was significantly higher in the depressed vs non-depressed AD patients (72% and 58%, respectively), and an interaction revealed that women possessing the APOE epsilon4 allele were almost four times more likely to be depressed than those without the epsilon4 allele.


CONCLUSIONS
Results are consistent with recent suggestions that the APOE epsilon4 genotype may be over-represented among depressed women with AD and highlight the need for additional research investigating the links between APOE genotype, mood, and gender.
Delano-Wood
Lisa
L
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
Houston
Wes S
WS
Emond
Jennifer A
JA
Marchant
Natalie L
NL
Salmon
David P
DP
Jeste
Dilip V
DV
Thal
Leon J
LJ
Bondi
Mark W
MW
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*; D053327:Apolipoprotein E4 / Q000235:genetics*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors
D053327:Apolipoprotein E4