QUESTIONS & ANSWERS REGARDING THE AIZHEIMER’S APOE GENOME TEST / FROM OUR DOCTORS

WHAT IS THE APOE GENOME?

The APOE genome is responsible for the formation of lipid molecules in the blood, which are then utilized in metabolic processes in the human body.

HOW OR WHY DOES THIS GENOME PUT A PERSON AT RISK FOR DEVELOPING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE?

Genetic abbreviations in the APOE gene alter the 3-dimensional formation of the lipid molecules, so that they cannot be fully used in metabolic processes. Depending on the genetic abbreviation, the person is at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and / or Atherosclerosis.

EXPLAIN WHAT A PERSON HAS TO DO TO TAKE THIS SALIVA TEST.

The person has to put a small amount of saliva on a piece of filter paper and then dry the filter paper. When the filter paper is dry, the DNA in the saliva is stable for years and can be easily sent to the laboratory.

CAN YOU SHOW US OR EXPLAIN TO US HOW THE MACHINE WORKS?

1. The DNA from the dried filter paper is isolated.

2. The APOE gene is then amplified (enriched) in a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) a couple of billion times.

3. The significant mutation sites are detected either by color reaction and / or enzymatically.

IF A PERSON IS AT RISK FOR ALZHEIMER’S, WHAT KIND OF LIFESTYLE CHANGES SHOULD THEY BE MAKING?

Changing nutritional habits is key. It is very important to limit consumption of red meat and to increase intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish. The regular intake of Vitamin E, and also Vitamin C, is recommended.

Physical exercise and increased consumption of vegetables and fruits should be favored.

Essential fatty acids in the blood and also lipid-peroxidation parameters should be checked every 6-12 months.

HAVE THESE LIFESTYLE CHANGES BEEN PROVEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEVELOPING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE… HOW SO?

EXPLAIN TO US THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF THE APOE GENOME.

1.        E2/E2 - Best protection from Alzheimer ’s Disease. Risk for Atherosclerosis (risk diminished).

2.        E2/E3 - Risk for Atherosclerosis but very low risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

3.        E2/E4 -Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and for Atherosclerosis.

4.        E3/E3 - Normal type (moderate protection from both Alzheimer’s Disease and Atherosclerosis).

5.        E3/E4 - Moderate risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and Atherosclerosis

6.        E4/E4 -Severe risk for Alzheimer’s Disease and Atherosclerosis.

WHY IS THIS NEW TEST SO IMPORTANT?

You can identify at-risk persons well before the disease starts.  This provides the important possibility of prevention. In cases where the disease is already in progress, you can stop the disease in its early stages.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?

Routine check (6-12 months) of lipid-peroxidation parameters and essentioal fatty acids in the blood are important for at-risk persons.  This will evaluate the effectiveness of the preventive measures and /or therapy.