Genetics and Cholesterol: How the APOE4 Gene Impacts Your Long-Term Health

Neuro Athletes,

my primary area of research is cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease. At Neuro Athletics our mission is to democratise brain health education so you can perform better, think faster and live longer. We are on a broader mission to end cognitive decline.

With that said, I want you all to be across the gene that get so much attention in this space.

But first you must know a few things.

Dementia significantly undermines cognitive functions, severely impacting the ability to live independently, with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) identified as the leading contributor. Intriguingly, modifiable risk factors, such as physical inactivity, are implicated in up to one-third of dementia cases.

However, in this newsletter, we focus on the role of specific gene mutations that predispose individuals to severe health issues, including elevated cholesterol levels, subsequently triggering additional health complications.

Current studies indicate that individuals with a particular genetic mutation, known as the APOE4 gene, may have a heightened risk of developing high cholesterol.

The Role of the APOE Gene

The APOE gene is responsible for producing apolipoprotein E (Apo E), a critical player in the management of cholesterol within the body. Cholesterol, despite its vilified reputation, is essential for numerous bodily functions, including the formation of cell membranes and the synthesis of certain hormones. However, its mismanagement can lead to dire health consequences.

There are three common variations of the APOE gene: E2, E3, and E4, leading to six possible genetic combinations. Among these, the E3/E3 variant is the most prevalent, associated with standard cholesterol levels and considered the baseline risk for related diseases. However, the focus of our discussion, the APOE4 variant, carries significant implications for health.

APOE4 and Its Impact on Health

The APOE gene is quite special because it's involved in managing cholesterol levels in our body, particularly the LDL cholesterol - the type often labeled as "bad." This gene comes in different versions, or alleles: E2, E3, and E4.

Everyone inherits two copies of the APOE gene - one from each parent. This means your genetic makeup could feature combinations like E3/E3, which is the most common and considered the baseline for comparing risk levels. Interestingly, having an E2 allele, as in an E2/E3 combination, can actually be protective against high cholesterol.

On the other hand, if you have the E3/E4 combination, with just one E4 allele, your risk of health issues like heart disease and Alzheimer's starts to climb. And if you're someone with an E4/E4 combination, inheriting the E4 allele from both parents, your risk for Alzheimer's can skyrocket up to twelve times compared to someone with the E3/E3 combination.

So, in essence, the APOE4 gene can significantly impact your health, especially concerning cholesterol levels and related diseases. It's a vivid example of how our genetic inheritance from our parents - one copy from our mother and one from our father - plays a crucial role in our long-term health prospects. At Neuro Athletics, we prioritize the testing of this gene for every client that joins our community, alongside a comprehensive blood panel. This approach enables us to tailor our interventions with precision, optimizing each individual's health trajectory based on their genetic predispositions.

Genetic Variants and Cholesterol Levels

Among these variants, the APOE4 stands out for its unique influence on speeding up cholesterol metabolism.

This acceleration isn't necessarily a good thing, as it often results in higher levels of LDL (that notorious "bad" cholesterol) and overall cholesterol in the bloodstream. This uptick in cholesterol levels can pave the way for cardiovascular disease, underscoring the complex interplay between our genes and our heart health.

However, it's important to remember that our genetics isn't the sole player in this scenario. Lifestyle choices—what we eat, how active we are, and our habits like smoking or drinking—also have a significant say in our cholesterol levels and cardiovascular well-being. This highlights the power of our daily decisions in either amplifying or mitigating the genetic risks we carry.

Addressing the Risks Associated with APOE4

Recent scientific findings offer some promising strategies. For instance, adjusting our diets to include more low-fat and high-carbohydrate foods has shown potential in reducing the health risks linked to this particular gene variant. It's a fascinating area of research that suggests what we eat can influence the impact of our genetic blueprint on our health.

Moreover, studies from institutions like MIT have shed light on the benefits of choline supplements. These supplements appear to play a role in balancing the negative effects the APOE4 gene might have on the way our brains manage fats and respond to stress. It's an encouraging development that points towards more ways we can proactively manage the influence of genetics on our health, particularly in how our bodies and brains function.

Genetic Testing: A Tool for Precision Health

While genetic testing can unveil predispositions like familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), it also has its limitations. Not all mutations causing FH are known, making the test potentially inconclusive. Nevertheless, genetic testing for APOE variants, particularly in the context of a comprehensive approach to health assessment, can offer valuable insights. At Neuro Athletics, we emphasize the importance of understanding one's genetic makeup as a foundation for personalized health optimization strategies.

The Neuro Athletics Approach

As we navigate the journey toward peak health at Neuro Athletics, we blend the sharp insights from genetics with a comprehensive approach to wellness. The APOE4 gene, with its profound implications for our health, particularly underscores the need for vigilant, personalized health strategies. Through regular blood panels and lifestyle adjustments tailored to each individual, we aim to master the intricate dance between our genetic predispositions and overall well-being.

REMEMBER, GENES LIKE APOE4 ARE RISK FACTORS, NOT DESTINIES. Just because someone may carry the E4/E4 combination doesn't guarantee the development of related diseases.

Our mission at Neuro Athletics is to arm each client with the critical knowledge and resources necessary to skillfully navigate their unique genetic terrain. By doing so, we empower them to optimize their health for a future rich in longevity and vitality, regardless of their genetic makeup.

I hope you enjoyed this one, I will continue to write pieces about AD as much as I can.

What are your questions? Let me know below.

Until next time,

Louisa x