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APOE
About APOE
APOE commonly occurs as ε2, ε3 and ε4 alleles. ε4 is associated with increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, but many carriers never develop the disease and people without ε4 can still develop it.
GENETIC RISK INFORMATION
APOE and TOMM40 genetic information
Understand genetic associations with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and what a result cannot determine.
What the test may indicate
APOE and TOMM40 results provide reference information about associations observed at population level. They do not determine whether a person currently has dementia, whether they will develop it, or the age at which symptoms might begin.
ABOUT THE INFORMATION
Understand the meaning before testing
APOE and TOMM40 results are genetic association information rather than a diagnosis.
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TOMM40
About TOMM40
TOMM40 lies near APOE in a region with strong linkage. Associations with age at onset and cognitive phenotypes are under study, but findings about predictive value independent of APOE are inconsistent.
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BEFORE TESTING
Before learning a result
- Genetic results are lifelong and may also be relevant to biological relatives.
- Symptoms or a strong family history should be discussed with an appropriate specialist.
- The result does not guarantee prevention or the effectiveness of a personal treatment plan.
- Confirm specimen retention, destruction, secondary use and data sharing before testing.
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PROCESS
From specimen collection to results
- Collect oral cells with a swab.
- Send the specimen to the testing laboratory.
- Confirm the result method and expected timing when applying.
- Consider the medical, psychological and family implications before testing.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does APOE ε4 mean Alzheimer’s disease is inevitable?
No. It is associated with risk, not certainty. Age, other genes, health and environment also matter.
Can this test diagnose dementia?
No. Cognitive symptoms require medical assessment, which may include history, cognitive testing, imaging and other evaluation.
CONSULTATION
Consider what learning the result means
Genetic information can affect the individual and biological relatives. Review the limitations and data handling before testing.