Interaction of APOE genotype and testosterone on episodic memory in middle-aged men

Neurobiol Aging. 2014 Jul;35(7):1778.e1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.12.025. Epub 2013 Dec 27.

Abstract

Age-related changes in testosterone are believed to be a key component of the processes that contribute to cognitive aging in men. The APOE-ε4 allele may interact with testosterone and moderate the hormone's association with cognition. The goals of the present study were to examine the degree to which free testosterone is associated with episodic memory in a community-based sample of middle-aged men, and examine the potential interaction between free testosterone and the APOE-ε4 allele. Data were used from 717 participants in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. Average age was 55.4 years (standard deviation = 2.5). Significant positive associations were observed between free testosterone level and verbal episodic memory, as well as a significant interaction between free testosterone and APOE-ε4 status. In ε4 carriers free testosterone was positively associated with verbal episodic memory performance (story recall), whereas no association was observed in ε4 noncarriers. Results support the hypothesis that APOE-ε4 status increases susceptibility to other risk factors, such as low testosterone, which may ultimately contribute to cognitive decline or dementia.

Keywords: APOE; Episodic memory; Gene-hormone interaction; Middle-age; Testosterone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics*
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Alleles*
  • Apolipoprotein E4 / genetics*
  • Apolipoprotein E4 / physiology*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Cognition Disorders / genetics
  • Dementia / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory, Episodic*
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Testosterone / physiology*
  • Twin Studies as Topic
  • Verbal Behavior / physiology

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein E4
  • Testosterone