Genetic Testing | Genetic Tests for APOE - Kashi Clinical Laboratories

ApoE

A Genetic Risk Marker for Alzheimer’s Disease

Genetic Testing | Genetic Tests for APOE - Kashi Clinical Laboratories

The ApoE genetic marker (Apolipoprotein E) is one gene responsible for interpreting the likelihood for an individual to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Genetic markers are sequences of DNA that can help link an inherited disease with the responsible genes. In the brain, ApoE is a protein involved in clearing harmful plaques that form around nerve cells. These plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s Disease and consist of damaged proteins called amyloid-β (Aβ) which stick together to form the toxic plaques. There are three possible types of ApoE proteins, called E2, E3 and E4. Individuals will have a total of 2 of these; one from each parent. Each type possesses a different level of risk:

  •  Individuals with the E2 allele are at the lowest risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease, because this form of the protein is the most effective at removing Aβ plaques.
  • Individuals with the E3 allele are at no increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • Individuals with theE4 allele are at a significantly increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease because this form of the protein is not very effective at removing Aβ plaques.

ApoE 4 does not guarantee that someone will develop Alzheimer’s. After learning about an individual’s genetic makeup, we can recommend steps to take to reduce your risk of developing the disease.

Prevention is treatment

Diagnostic tests for early detection can have a significant impact on a patient’s life. Our test can provide you with results that will guide you to making the appropriate lifestyle changes. Ideal candidates are patients with the following symptoms or conditions:

Family history of dementia

Symptoms of memory loss

Pattern of decreasing intellectual ability

Reduction in language and speech skills not related to other conditions

Interpreting the results

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia among older adults. It is estimated that more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older, may have dementia caused by AD.

Late-onset Alzheimer’s arises from a complex series of brain changes that may occur over decades. The causes include a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While no specific gene is found that directly causes late-onset Alzheimer’s, having APOE4 increases a person’s risk by two- to threefold when one copy of the APOE4 variant is present. The risk is 10- to 15-fold higher for individuals who carry two copies of the variant (E4/E4 genotype). A positive result for the APOE4 variant, however, is not diagnostic for Alzheimer’s disease. There are many patients with APOE4 who do not develop Alzheimer’s disease and conversely, there are patients with late-onset AD who test negative for APOE4.

Research suggests that a host of factors beyond genetics may play a role in the development and course of Alzheimer’s. A nutritious diet, physical activity, social engagement, and mentally stimulating pursuits might help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. Kashi APOE test report includes suggested cognitive and cardiovascular interventions, diet and nutrition guidance, and supplements that are specific to the test result.

Sample reports are available for APoE genetic testing.

Testing with Kashi Labs is easy.

Physicians

Visit order.kashilab.com and select the panel/panels you want to order for your patient. Input the necessary information to complete the order.

Once the kit is delivered, complete the steps to collect the sample and send back to Kashi Clinical Laboratories.

The results will be available in 3-5 business days.

Patients

If you are interested in ordering this test, please have your provider visit our website and inquire about becoming a provider, or have them follow the steps above to get your test ordered.

Sample Collection

Watch the video for information on how to collect specimen samples.

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Sample Collection

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What can we help you find?

Place a one-time order for genetic testing at order.kashilab.com.

If you are an existing provider, please sign in to place an order through the online portal. If you are new to Kashi and would like to create an account, please contact us.

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Place a one-time order by contacting us through the form at the link below, or get started by logging in to your online portal.

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