The influence of ALDH2 polymorphism upon drinking behaviors has been previously shown to be partially mediated by cognitive factors (Hendershot et al., 2011). One possible mechanism by which the genetic effect of ALDH2*2 upon drinking behavior might increase with age is via learning processes, whereby alcohol cognitions develop in response to alcohol sensitivity experienced during past drinking sessions. In this framework, the effect of ALDH2*2 might be expected to increase over time, as individuals, following initial exposure to alcohol, learn to avoid ingesting larger amounts of alcohol, in order to avoid the adverse physiological effects that make up the alcohol sensitivity syndrome.
