Question 166 of 433
I carry the APOE4 gene. What now?
The short answer
Your risk of Alzheimer’s is higher, not certain. Everything in this book matters more for you, not less.
One copy of APOE4 roughly doubles or triples risk; two copies raise it much more. Many carriers never develop dementia. Studies suggest carriers benefit as much or more from exercise, blood pressure control, good sleep, and avoiding head injury and heavy drinking.
Knowing your status also matters if you ever consider the new Alzheimer’s drugs, because people with two copies have a higher risk of brain swelling and bleeding on them. Decide whether to test with a counselor’s help. It is knowledge you cannot give back.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST GENETIC RISK EVIDENCE — APOE4 carriers: increased Alzheimer’s and treatment-related ARIA risk; genotype does not determine destiny.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 12, Q166 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.