Exploring Brain Health

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. The brain cells, or neurons, die and connections between them are lost, leading to problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys cognitive abilities, making it increasingly difficult for people to carry out daily activities. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time.

The cause of Alzheimer’s is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life for those living with it.

What Is the APOE Gene?

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a role in the transport and processing of fats in the body. There are three different versions, or alleles, of the APOE gene: ε2, ε3, and ε4.

The APOE gene is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Having one copy of the ε4 allele of the APOE gene increases a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The risk is even higher if a person has two copies of the ε4 allele. Having the ε4 allele does not mean that a person will definitely develop Alzheimer’s, only that their risk is higher.

APOE is not the only gene associated with Alzheimer’s, and there are other factors that also play a role. Many people who develop the disease do not have a family history or a known genetic risk factor. Additionally, lifestyle and environmental factors, such as diet, exercise, and head injury, can also play a role in the development of the disease.

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