What is the difference between APOE2 and ApoE4?

ApoE4 constitutes the most important genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), whereas ApoE2 protects against AD.

What is the APOE2 allele?

Although the ε2 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE2) benefits longevity, its mechanism is not understood. The protective effects of the APOE2 on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk, particularly through their effects on amyloid or tau accumulation, may confound APOE2 effects on longevity.

How common is APOE2?

ApoE2 is relatively rare, with only 5% incidence, and is considered to be a protective variant against AD. By contrast, as the most potent genetic risk factor for AD, ApoE4 exists in only about 20% of the population; however, it is present in nearly 50% of AD patients.

Why is APOE2 protective?

Viral-mediated APOE*ε2 overexpression Given APOE2 protects against AD likely due to its greater neuroprotective functions than that of APOE3 and APOE4 (Fig. 3), introducing APOE2 into the brain of AD patients who lack APOE*ε2 may have therapeutic effects.

What diet is best for APOE4?

Based on current evidence, the best way to lower risk is with a Mediterranean diet. This eating pattern likely provides nutrients that work together to decrease risk. The effects may even be exaggerated in APOE4 carriers. A ketogenic diet may help lessen symptoms for those who already have mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s.

How much does APOE4 increase risk?

The APOE4 allele, present in approximately 10-15% of people, increases the risk for Alzheimer’s and lowers the age of onset. Having one copy of E4 (E3/E4) can increase your risk by 2 to 3 times while two copies (E4/E4) can increase the risk by 12 times [2].

What is the best diet for APOE4?

Does 23andMe show APOE4?

The report looks for the ε4 variant in the APOE gene associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The report is available through the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service.

Why does APOE4 cause Alzheimer’s?

The reason APOE4 increases Alzheimer’s risk is not well understood. The APOE protein helps carry cholesterol and other types of fat in the bloodstream. Recent studies suggest that problems with brain cells’ ability to process fats, or lipids, may play a key role in Alzheimer’s and related diseases.

Is keto good for APOE4?

The ketogenic diet had no effect on plasma ApoE levels in the wild type mice, but did cause a significant increase in the ApoE4/E4 mice that was higher than that induced by the high-fat diet.

Should I worry about APOE4?

The ApoE4 gene indicates susceptibility, but by no means predicts with certainty whether someone will get Alzheimer’s, and for that reason, Hahn says, it usually does more harm than good.