However, the group with possible clinical depression (HADS depression score ≥8, n = 78) had lower mean MMSE scores (geometric means 27.80±1.08 vs 28.28±1.08, p = 0.052, Cohen's d = 0.24) and higher NT-proBNP levels (geometric mean 107 pg/ml ±3 vs 80 pg/ml ±3, p = 0.03, Cohen's d = 0.28) compared to the non-depressed group. This evidence concerns the gene NPPB and major depressive disorder.