Depressive Symptoms Moderate the Influence of the ApolipoproteinE ɛ4 Allele on Cognitive Decline in a Sample of Community Dwelling Older Adults

Depressive symptoms and the APOE ɛ4 allele are independent contributors to CD. Moreover, the influence of depressive symptoms on CD is greater among individuals with the APOE ɛ4 allele. Depression and the APOE ɛ4 allele may act together in disrupting neurological functioning, which may in turn lower an individual's cognitive reserve capacity. Given the efficacious treatments currently available for depression, future research should investigate the extent to which interventions for depression may reduce the risk for subsequent CD.