If Alzheimer's or dementia has affected those in your family, you’ve probably wondered – *could it happen to me?* The APOE gene plays an important role in how your body processes fats and cholesterol, and certain versions of the gene may increase your risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive conditions.
What is the APOE gene?
The APOE gene is a part of DNA that contains instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein E. This protein “merges with fats to form lipoprotein molecules [which] carry cholesterol and other fats through your bloodstream” (Cleveland Clinic). These fat-carrying molecules deliver energy and materials your body needs to make hormones, vitamins, and other cells.
Does Everyone Have the APOE Gene?
Everyone has two copies of the APOE gene, one inherited from each of your biological parents. There are three versions (also known as alleles) of the APOE gene:
- APOE E2
- APOE E3
- APOE E4
You can have two of the same type of APOE or two different types, for a total of six different combinations.
Your combination of these APOE versions, also known as a genotype, may affect your body’s efficiency when moving cholesterol and fat, which could increase your risk of various physical or cognitive health conditions.
- APOE E2 is considered a protective variant, meaning it may provide protection against cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease.
- APOE E3 is the most common allele and does not increase nor decrease risk of Alzheimer’s.
- APOE E4 is associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer's. Having at least one copy can increase your risk, and two copies can greatly increase your risk of developing Alzheimer's.
APOE Genotypes and Alzheimer's Disease Risk
| Genotype | Combination Insight | Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia in Your Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
| APOE E2/E2 | Two protective alleles | Lesser risk |
| APOE E2/E3 | One protective allele + one neutral allele | Lesser risk |
| APOE E3/E3 | Two neutral alleles | Average risk |
| APOE E2/E4 | One protective allele + one risk allele | Moderate risk |
| APOE E3/E4 | One neutral allele + one risk allele | Moderate risk |
| APOE E4/E4 | Two risk alleles | High risk |
*Risk levels are based on population studies
In 2024, researchers found that people with the APOE E4 variant exhibited higher levels of biomarkers linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease compared to other variants (Pub Med).
Understanding your APOE genotype is a key insight to your cognitive health, but it’s only one of many components influencing your risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Is Alzheimer's Disease Genetic?
APOE genotypes provide insight into our cognitive health, but it’s not the only factor. While people who have a parent or sibling with Alzheimer's have a higher risk of developing it themselves, genetics alone will not determine if someone will develop Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer's disease “can be influenced by multiple genes in combination with lifestyle and environmental factors” (National Institute of Aging). Age, sex, physical activity, air pollution, smoking and alcohol consumption are all just a few lifestyle and environmental factors that may affect our risk.
To put simply, having the APOE E4 variant doesn’t mean you will develop Alzheimer's – but it provides an insight into potential risk.
How to Test for the APOE Gene
Want to be proactive about your brain health and mental wellness? Wondering where you can get an APOE test?
The empowerDX APOE Gene Test helps you discover your APOE gene status from the comfort of your own home.
How it works:
- Order online at empowerdxlab.com – no physician referral required.
- Collect a simple mouth swab with our provided materials.
- Mail your sample to our CLIA-certified labs, and get secure results online.
What the empowerDX APOE Gene Test Results Will Tell You
When you use empowerDX for your genetic testing, you’ll receive your results through our online portal. In a digital PDF report, your APOE gene status will show one of the six pairs of alleles so you can get a better understanding of your associated risk for developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition to your results, you’ll receive a digital Test Guide with actionable steps to improve your overall brain health.
Take Control of Your Future
You’re just one mouth swab away from insights into your physical and cognitive health.
Order your empowerDX APOE Gene Test today.
Resources:
- APOE Gene Test. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/apoe-gene-test (Accessed October 2025).
- APOE Genotype and Alzheimer Disease Risk Across Age, Sex, and Population Ancestry. JAMA Neurology. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2811630 (Accessed October 2025)
- Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Fact Sheet. National Institute of Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-causes-and-risk-factors/alzheimers-disease-genetics-fact-sheet (Accessed October 2025)
- Can exercise reduce my risk for Alzheimer’s disease? empowerDX. https://empowerdxlab.com/articles/can-exercise-reduce-my-risk-for-alzheimers-disease (Accessed October 2025)
- APOE4 homozygozity represents a distinct genetic form of Alzheimer's disease. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38710950/
