Interactions of Vascular Risk Factors and Apolipoprotein E4 on Geriatric Depression

Objective：Associations of vascular risk/disease or apolipoprotein E ε4(APOE4) with geriatric depression has been unclear at a population level. This study aimed to evaluate whether there would be interactions of vascular risk/disease and APOE4 on depression in a Korean elderly population.

Methods：732 community residents aged 65 or over were assessed for depression(GMS), information on vascular risk/disease(reported stroke, transient ishemic attack, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, smoking), examinations for vascular risk/disease(blood pressure, blood tests for glucose and lipid profiles, body size), APOE genotypes, demographic characteristics(age, gender, education), physical health, and cognitive function(MMSE).

Results：Previous stroke and lower level of high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol were significantly associated with geriatric depression independent of demographic characteristics, physical illnesses, and cognitive function. These associations were statistically significant only in those with APOE4, although the interaction terms didn't reach to statistical significance.

Conclusion：Associations between vascular risk/disease and geriatric depression might be more prominent in those with APOE4. However further research would be needed to clarify this issue.