We examined the effect of the apolipoprotein E (apo E) ∈4 allele on the relationship between self-reported stress and mood in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Eighty-six female subjects between the ages of 28 and 82 years who were community-dwelling AD patient caregivers participated in the study. A cross-sectional analysis of stress and mood was performed using the Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist and the Geriatric Depression Scale. All subjects were evaluated for normal cognitive function (Mini-Mental Status Examination) and apo E genotype. The results indicated that increased levels of stress were associated with increased levels of depres sive symptoms in nondemented caregivers with the ∈4 allele. This relationship was not observed in caregivers without the ∈4 allele. These results suggest that carriers of the ∈4 allele may respond differently to psychological stress than do individuals without the ∈4 allele. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2001; 14:115-119).
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