Influence of genetic polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein (APOE) and the butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE) gene on stress markers in older adults: A 3-year study

The present study examined the influence of genetic polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein (APOE) and the butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE) gene on GC secretion, cognition and personality in 66 healthy older adults. These particular variables were chosen given that they have been shown to be associated with human stress (i.e.stress markers). Measures included basal serum GC levels and cognitive scores on declarative memory obtained annually over 3 years. Also, self-esteem, neuroticism and depression were evaluated. Results showed that participants with the APOE E4–BCHE K variant (E4–K group) present increased basal levels of GCs and poorer cognitive performance when compared to non-carriers of these variants. In addition, the E4–K group reported lower self-esteem and higher levels of depression. These findings may indicate a genotype effect on markers of stress and cognitive integrity years before symptoms of dementia are apparent.