Dr.Wendy.Hurwitz.APOE4.Info

About the ApoE Gene: 
 
The three versions of the ApoE gene are: 
 
• 
ApoE 3 – Version 3 is the most common version, it removes plaques from the brain 
reasonably well. Individuals who have version 3 do not have an increased or decreased 
risk of developing Alzheimer’s. 
 
• 
ApoE 2 – Version 2 is more effective at removing plaques from the brain. Individuals 
who have version 2 have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s. 
 
• 
ApoE 4 – Version 4 is less effective at removing plaques from the brain. Individuals  
who have version 4 have a significantly increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s. 
  
Because ApoE 4 is not effective at removing these plaques from the brain,  
more of these harmful plaques build up and damage the brain. This explains why 
individuals with the ApoE 4 gene have a substantially increased risk of developing 
Alzheimer’s.   
If no preventative measures are taken, researchers believe that individuals with two 
versions of the ApoE 4 gene have a 50% chance of developing Alzheimer’s. 
  
The Risk of Developing Alzheimer's Depends on Which Version of the 
Gene You Have 
 
ApoE 4 Does Not Guarantee That Someone Will Develop Alzheimer's,  
********-> Steps Can Be Taken To Reduce Alzheimer's Risk <-****** 
 
Research has shown us that individuals with the ApoE 4 gene are able to reduce 
their risk for developing Alzheimer’s.  
Individuals with the ApoE 4 gene can reduce their risk by proactively managing 
other risk factors and by pursuing activities and lifestyles which have been 
shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.   
 
Individuals with the ApoE 4 gene are more vulnerable to certain factors which increase 
the risk of Alzheimer’s, risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure. This makes it 
even more important than normal for individuals with the ApoE 4 gene to manage their 
blood pressure and diabetic status. 
 
The chance of developing Alzheimer’s is influenced by behaviors that occur decades 
before and leading up to when the symptoms first become noticeable. Individuals with 
the ApoE 4 gene should begin addressing risk factors sooner, rather than later. 
 
 
Source: https://www.alzheimersorganization.org/alzheimers-gene-apoe4 

 
If you have ApoE 4: 
Here is another resource: 
 
https://www.apoe4.info/welcome/