Genetics
A well-powered study of CETP sequence variation finds no meaningful association with cognitive decline or dementia risk (Int J Mol Epidemiol Genet 2011)
Original title: An assessment of CETP sequence variation in relation to cognitive decline and dementia risk
Combining data from four population-based twin studies and a case-control sample, researchers evaluated common genetic variation spanning the CETP gene for association with cognitive decline and with incident and prevalent dementia and Alzheimer's disease risk. The analysis included 1513 dementia cases and 2137 controls with available CETP genotypes and covariates, and memory and perceptual speed performance was assessed over 16 years in up to 1540 participants. Across 26 genetic markers, only sporadic associations were observed that were largely consistent with statistical noise, leading the authors to conclude that CETP polymorphism is unlikely to contribute meaningfully to cognitive change or dementia risk.
Original abstract
The gene encoding the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an integral role in lipid metabolism. We evaluated common genetic variation spanning CETP for association with cognitive decline as well as incident and prevalent dementia and Alzheimer disease risk. Data from four population-based twin studies and a case-control sample were included, encompassing an analysis sample of 1513 dementia cases and 2137 controls with available CETP genotypes and covariates. Memory and perceptual speed performance was assessed over 16 years in up to 1540 participants. Only sporadic associations were observed across 26 markers and were largely consistent with statistical noise. Polymorphism in CETP is unlikely to contribute to cognitive change or dementia risk.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.