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VIAPOE is a gene that affects your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. You inherit two copies of this gene, one from each parent.
There are three main versions: E2, E3, and E4. Most people have two E3 copies (E3/E3), which represents average risk. The E4 version increases your risk, while the E2 version actually lowers it.
If you have one E4 copy, your risk is about 3-4 times higher than average. If you have two E4 copies (which is rare), your risk is about 10-15 times higher.
By age 85, approximately half of people with two E4 copies will develop Alzheimer's disease, but this also means half will not.
This is about risk, not certainty. Many people with the E4 version never develop Alzheimer's disease.
The APOE test provides probability, not certainty, and there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease.
However, studies show that healthy lifestyle choices may reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease, regardless of your genetic makeup. The most important factors include:
- Physical activity: regular exercise, especially in midlife and beyond
- Quality sleep: consistent, restorative sleep patterns
- Blood sugar control: managing diabetes and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
- Heart health: controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, especially in midlife
- Mental engagement: staying cognitively and socially active
- Healthy diet: following patterns like the Mediterranean diet
- Not smoking
Research suggests that combining multiple healthy habits may be more effective than focusing on just one area.
Focus on what you can control: staying physically active, maintaining good sleep, managing cardiovascular risk factors, and keeping your mind and body engaged.
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