Memory, a cognitive function essential for human survival and adaptation, presents significant variations between individuals. Although environmental factors and life experiences play an important role in these differences, growing evidence suggests that genetics also contribute to variability in memory performance.
Nilsson et al. (2002) discuss the contribution of genetic factors to individual differences in memory performance, highlighting that the exploration of these genetic influences on memory is just beginning. Most studies that have sought to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for memory have focused on Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a protein involved in lipid metabolism and associated with cardiovascular disease and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Some studies have demonstrated an association between ApoE and memory, even in non-demented individuals, while others have found no such association. The authors present data from a prospective cohort study (Betula), in which they evaluated the associations between three different forms of ApoE and performance on episodic memory tests. Cross-sectional comparisons revealed no significant differences in episodic memory performance between carriers of the three alleles. However, longitudinal analyzes of change scores revealed that the ε4 allele was related to a lower level of memory performance compared to the ε2 and ε3 alleles, especially in tasks that provided cognitive support in both encoding and retrieval, suggesting a deficit in the use of this support in carriers of the ε4 allele.
In summary, research into the influence of genetics on memory functioning is still in its early stages, but results to date suggest that genetic variation, in particular in the ApoE gene, may contribute to individual differences in memory performance. especially in episodic memory tasks that require cognitive support.
Reference :
NILSSON, Lars-Göran; NYBERG, Lars; BACKMAN, Lars. Genetic variation in memory functioning. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, vol. 26, no. 7, p. 841-848, 2002.
