Anxiety and verbal memory performance in APOE-4 carriers and noncarriers aged 50 years and above. (February 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Curiel, Ashley R; Miller, Karen J; Pollard, Karen; Kim, Jeanne; Kravitz, Jena; Small, Gary W
• Is Part Of: Aging health. Volume 8:Number 1(2012)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2012-02
• Subjects: Alzheimer''s disease -- anxiety -- APOE-4 -- cognitive impairment -- depression -- older adult -- State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97005
• DOI: 10.2217/ahe.11.91
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-509X

Abstract

Aims: The current study sought to explore the relationship between state and trait anxiety and delayed verbal memory performance in APOE-4 carriers and noncarriers who were aged 50 years and above.Materials & methods: The study was a retrospective analysis of 267 participants aged 50 years and above who had completed genetic testing for APOE status, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery that included three delayed verbal memory measures (Wechsler Memory Scale – 3rd Edition, Logical Memory and Verbal Pairs subtests and the Buschke Selective Reminding Test).Results: An inverse relationship was found between state anxiety and delayed verbal memory performance. No difference in level of anxiety was found between APOE-4 carriers versus noncarriers.Conclusion: State anxiety, but not trait anxiety, was found to have an inverse relationship with delayed verbal memory performance. For example, as self-reported state anxiety increased, delayed verbal memory scores decreased. This relationship did not appear to be influenced by the presence or absence of the APOE-4 allele.