APOE, Alzheimer risk add-on

The APOE gene contains two SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), the combination of which determines a person’s ApoE result. Since every individual has two copies of the APOE gene (one inherited from each parent), these two genetic variations together form one genotype.

Alzheimer’s disease is usually a slowly and steadily progressing memory disorder, the symptoms of which are caused by damage to certain brain areas. Alzheimer’s disease can also break out as a lifestyle disease or as a result of a serious blow to the head, even in the absence of a genetic predisposition.

Recent research has shown that the development of Alzheimer’s disease involves complex networks of metabolic pathways and biological processes. Changes in these systems may play a central role in the onset and progression of the disease. The Finnish FINGER study was the first in the world to demonstrate that healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease on multiple levels, and the effect can be significant, even despite a genetic predisposition.