Genetics
CETP I405V valine homozygosity is linked to better cognitive function after age 65 (Neurobiol Aging 2012)
Original title: Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) genotype and cognitive function in persons aged 35 years or older
In a population-based cohort of 4135 persons aged 35 to 82 years, researchers examined associations between CETP I405V and Taq1B genotypes and cognitive function, measured with the Ruff Figural Fluency Test (score range 0 to 175, higher is better). Test scores were not associated with I405V genotype in persons aged 35 to 64, but beyond age 65, homozygous valine carriers scored higher (52, SD 21) than heterozygous carriers (49, SD 18) and noncarriers (47, SD 17; P equals 0.005), with a significant genotype-by-age interaction such that the gap between homozygous valine carriers and noncarriers widened by 0.11 points per year beyond age 65 (P equals 0.005). Test scores showed no association with Taq1B genotype, leading the authors to conclude CETP I405V valine homozygosity is associated with better cognitive function specifically after age 65.
Original abstract
Common polymorphisms of the Cholestryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) gene may predict lower risk of cognitive decline. We investigated the association of cognitive function with CETP genotype in a population-based cohort of 4135 persons aged 35-82 years. Cognitive function was measured with the Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT; worst score, 0 points; best score, 175 points) and CETP I405V and Taq1B genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction. RFFT score was not associated with I405V genotype in persons aged 35-64 years. Remarkably, beyond age 65, homozygous valine carriers had higher RFFT scores than heterozygous carriers and noncarriers: RFFT (SD), 52 (21), 49 (18), and 47 (17) points, respectively (p = 0.005). There also was a statistically significant interaction between I405V genotype and age. Beyond age 65, the difference between homozygous valine carriers and noncarriers increased by 0.11 point per year (p = 0.005). RFFT score was not associated with Taq1B genotype. In conclusion, CETP I405V valine homozygosity was associated with better cognitive function in persons aged 65 years or older.
Summary written by cetpinhibition.org from the published abstract; figures as published. Page updated 19 August 2026. Methods.