Aim: Apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been regarded as the principal susceptibility gene linked with Alzheimer's disease, also suggesting a relationship with depression in the elderly population. Thus, the purpose was to investigate the association of APOE polymorphisms with depression in elderly adults.
Methods: APOE polymorphisms were determined in a Mexican population-based sample older than 60 years (n=1566) using 5' exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays.
Results: The distribution of the APOE allele and genotype frequencies was similar in patients with and without depression. There was no significant association between the presence of alleles or genotypes and depression and anxiety (Short Anxiety Screening Test) considering several combinations of other features. However, patients with the APOE*4 allele presented more thinking and concentration impairment than those patients with the APOE*3 allele.
Conclusion: Genetic variation at the APOE gene may contribute to some depressive symptoms in late-onset depression, rather than being a specific risk factor.