Effects of the APOE ε2 Allele on Mortality and Cognitive Function in the Oldest Old

Some studies indicate that the APOE epsilon 2 allele may have a protective effect on mortality and mental health among the elderly adults. We investigated the effect of the APOE epsilon 2 allele on cognitive function and mortality in 1651 members of the virtually extinct Danish 1905 birth cohort. We found no protective effect of the APOE epsilon 2 allele on mortality compared with the APOE epsilon 3 allele. The point estimates indicated an increased protection against cognitive decline over time for persons with the APOE epsilon 2 allele. Cognitive score did not significantly modify the mortality risk of the various APOE genotypes. We did not find a protective effect of the APOE epsilon 2 allele on mortality among the oldest old, but in agreement with our previous findings, we found a 22% increased mortality risk for APOE epsilon 4 carriers. The APOE epsilon 2 allele may be protective on cognitive decline among the oldest old.