Apolipoprotein E gene. What is it?

Also known as APOE, the apolipoprotein E gene influences an individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This genetic factor has a profound impact on brain health, lifestyle choices, and behavior. With three common variants known as APOE 2, APOE 3, and APOE 4, each has a different impact on this horrific disease.

The first, APOE 2, may actually protect against Alzheimer’s, while APOE 3 has been shown to have no effect in regard to a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s. However, the APOE 4 gene increases the likelihood that someone with this gene will develop Alzheimer’s, with a higher probability that it will manifest at a younger age.

That being said, it is still possible that those without the APOE 4 gene will suffer from this disease, while some who do have the gene may not ever develop Alzheimer’s. There are many factors besides genetics that influence Alzheimer’s including lifestyle and environment, and there is no way to predict whether or not someone will develop the disease. This is why taking preventative measures matters.

Because everyone has two copies of the Apolipoprotein E gene, one inherited from each parent, it is possible that they are both APOE 4. Only about 2-3% of people are in this category, carrying two copies of the APOE 4 gene, putting those individuals at a greater than 50% risk of Alzheimer’s.

You may be wondering what the point of knowing which variations of the APOE gene you have would be, considering that there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease. This is where the aforementioned preventative measures come in.

Alzheimer’s disease is largely preventable.

Read that again.

By managing various factors that influence our brain health, cognitive function, and overall well-being, preventative measures can be taken in the ongoing battle against Alzheimer’s disease. Steps like maintaining optimal metabolic health and avoiding chronic inflammation combined with regular exercise, quality sleep, managing stress, keeping up with our dental hygiene, and challenging our brains through stimulating activities all add a chink to the protective armor needed to guard against Alzheimer’s. By engaging in the lifestyle choices we should already be doing in order to achieve physical health, the benefits are multifaceted as these actions also greatly impact our brains.

While we don’t get to choose our genetics, we do have options when it comes to nutrition, physical and social activity, and every other aspect of daily living. Making the effort to ensure our lives are balanced can have far-reaching results, affecting our long-term physical and mental health. You might be thinking that you don’t want to know what copies of the APOE gene you have, afraid that if you’re one of the 2-3% with two APOE 4 genes, you’ll be terrified at the increased possibility of developing Alzheimer’s. While we understand those concerns, there is power in knowledge, and maybe knowing will be the motivation you need in order to start living a healthier life and implementing those preventative measures.

For more information on genetic testing and how you can learn which two copies of the Apolipoprotein E gene are in your genetic makeup, email us at info@amindforallseasons.com or give us a call today at (208)378-2860.
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