The Alzheimer’s Gene: How Important Is It?

The Alzheimer’s Gene- How Important Is It?  There is so much you can do to protect your brain even if you have the Alzheimer’s Gene variant. Learn all about it in this episode of The Dr Karen Health Show

The Alzheimer’s Gene

There are multiple factors which influence the chance that an individual will develop Alzheimer’s. One of the largest factors is genetics, or family history. Individuals with relatives, especially parents with Alzheimer’s, are at a higher risk to develop the disease themselves. The cause behind this link is a gene, called ApoE. This gene is responsible for removing plaques from the brain, these plaques are believed to be one of the primary causes of Alzheimer’s. Inheriting a variation of this gene called APOE4 can increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s in old-age.

How  can you use this information to optimize your health?

I knew you would ask that! My job as a Holistic Health coach who does Health and Wellness genetic testing,  is to take that obscure genetic information and practically apply it to your life. You can’t change your genes, but there is so much you can do, when you know your genetics, to mitigate your risk factors and feel your best

The Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s Depends on which Version of the Gene You Have

There are three versions of the ApoE gene, the version you have is determined by which you inherited from your parents. Each version is different in how effective it is at removing the harmful plaques from the brain.

The three versions of the ApoE gene are:

ApoE 3 – Version 3 is the most common version, it removes plaques from the brain reasonably well. Individuals who have version 3 do not have an increased or decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. ApoE 2 – Version 2 is more effective at removing plaques from the brain. Individuals who have version 2 have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s. ApoE 4 – Version 4 is less effective at removing plaques from the brain. Individuals who have version 4 have a significantly increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s. If no preventative measures are taken, researchers believe that individuals with two versions of the ApoE 4 gene have a 50% chance of developing Alzheimer’s.

ApoE 4 Does Not Guarantee That Someone Will Develop Alzheimer’s, Steps Can Be Taken To Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk

1. Exercise
2. Stable Blood Sugar
3. Fish Oil
4. Brain Exercises
5. Social Connections
6. Mediterranean Diet
7. Healthy Fats
8. Stress less

My podcast covers all these topics !! Interested in Health and Wellness Genetic Testing ? CLICK HERE