Ordering the Apolipoprotein E (apoE) Gene Test
The Apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene test helps identify which version of the APOE gene a person has, which can affect cholesterol levels and risk for memory loss like Alzheimer’s or heart problems. Interestingly, research shows that certain APOE gene types may also influence how the brain responds to injury or stress, not just cholesterol or memory.
Ordering this test can help you learn about your genetic risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or heart disease, and guide choices about diet, exercise, and prevention. When you order, you can expect these specific benefits:
- Find out if you carry the APOE e4 gene, which is linked to a higher risk for memory loss and dementia.
- Learn if you have the APOE e2 gene, which may lower your risk for heart disease.
- Get information that can help your doctor recommend the best cholesterol-lowering plan for you.
- Understand your family’s risk for certain brain and heart conditions.
- Use your results to make targeted changes to your eating, exercise, and lifestyle habits.
Who Should Consider Genetic Risk Testing for Brain and Heart Health
People with a family history of memory loss or heart problems, or those who want to know their risk for these conditions, may benefit from this test. For example, someone whose parent developed memory problems in their 60s may want to know if they have a similar genetic risk, so they can take steps early.
Ordering may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with high cholesterol that doesn’t improve with diet or medicine.
- A person with a close relative who had a stroke or heart attack before age 60.
- Anyone experiencing unexplained forgetfulness or trouble focusing.
- People interested in learning about their genetic risk for brain aging or cognitive decline.
- Someone who wants to know if their genes affect how their body handles certain fats, which can impact how well they respond to specific diets.
This test gives clear answers about your genetic risk for memory loss and heart disease, which can help you and your doctor make better choices about prevention and treatment. Delaying this test could mean missing the chance to start helpful changes sooner, especially if you have a family history of these conditions.
Preparing for Your APOE Genetic Profile Test
No fasting is needed for this genetic test, so you can eat and drink as usual before your blood test is collected. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected the right way.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Apolipoprotein E (apoE) Genotype Test
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Biomarker Means | Low and High Levels of Apolipoprotein E (apoE) Genotype Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| APOE e2 Gene | Present or Not Present | The e2 gene is a version of the APOE gene that may lower the risk for heart disease and Alzheimer’s. It can also affect how your body handles cholesterol. | High levels mean having two copies of e2 may lower heart disease risk but could raise triglycerides.
Low levels mean not having e2 may increase risk for certain heart and brain conditions. |
| APOE e3 Gene | Present or Not Present | The e3 gene is the most common version and is considered neutral for risk. It does not raise or lower the risk for Alzheimer’s or heart disease. | High levels mean having two copies of e3 is linked to average risk for memory and heart problems.
Low levels mean not having e3 may shift risk depending on which other gene type is present. |
| APOE e4 Gene | Present or Not Present | The e4 gene is linked to a higher risk for Alzheimer’s and heart disease. It can also affect how your body responds to certain diets and cholesterol medicines. | High levels mean having one or two copies of e4 increases risk for memory loss and heart disease.
Low levels mean not having e4 lowers your risk for these conditions. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their standards, so always check your report for the most current information.
APOE Genotype Combinations and What They Mean
APOE is like a garbage truck for your brain:
- APOE2- very good at cleanup.
- APOE3- average cleanup.
- APOE4- slow, inefficient truck that sometimes skips pickups. This promotes beta-amyloid buildup and inflammation in the brain blood vessels, which can lead to memory issues like dementia / Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
You inherit one APOE gene from each parent, creating a pair that affects both your risk for Alzheimer’s disease and how your body manages cholesterol and inflammation in your blood vessels.
- Having the 2/2 genotype offers the lowest known risk for Alzheimer’s and is associated with healthier cholesterol levels and reduced inflammation in the circulatory system.
- People with the 2/3 genotype typically have a lower-than-average Alzheimer’s risk and tend to process fats more efficiently, which benefits heart and brain health.
- The 3/3 genotype is the most common and indicates average risk for both Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease.
- Carrying the 3/4 genotype increases your risk for Alzheimer’s and may also raise LDL cholesterol, contributing to vascular inflammation over time.
- Having the 4/4 genotype puts you at the highest genetic risk for Alzheimer’s and significantly increases the likelihood of circulatory inflammation and cholesterol buildup.
| Genotype | Alzheimer’s risk | Cholesterol and circulation | Clinical style takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
|
2 / 2
Protective profile
|
Lowest known risk
|
Associated with healthier cholesterol patterns and reduced inflammation in blood vessels, which supports long term brain circulation. |
Very reassuring pattern
Keep healthy habits and routine labs to preserve this advantage over time. |
|
2 / 3
Favorable profile
|
Lower than average risk
|
Often linked with more efficient fat handling, which tends to support heart health and steady blood flow to the brain. |
Lower than average concern
Standard prevention steps for heart and brain health remain important. |
|
3 / 3
Typical profile
|
Average risk
|
The most common pattern in the population, with average risk for Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease. |
Habits drive outcome
Cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, and daily choices carry most of the weight here. |
|
3 / 4
Heightened profile
|
Higher than average risk
|
Raises Alzheimer’s risk and can increase LDL cholesterol, which may contribute to vascular inflammation over time. |
Needs closer follow up
Regular lab testing and early focus on cholesterol and vascular health are strongly recommended. |
|
4 / 4
High alert profile
|
Highest genetic risk
|
Puts you at the highest known genetic risk for Alzheimer’s and is strongly associated with circulatory inflammation and cholesterol buildup. |
Intensive prevention focus
Often leads to more aggressive risk reduction plans and frequent review with a clinician. |
Know that having particular combinations of genes doesn’t mean you will develop Alzheimer’s or heart disease. The APOE gene test can help with risk determination so that prevention measures can be applied early on.
Heart + Alzheimer’s Gene Test FAQ
Is there Apolipoprotein E (apoE) Gene Test testing near me?
This is a test kit you can use at home or at a local draw site, check the draw location link at the top of the page for blood draw options. Since genetic risk for memory loss or heart disease can be stressful, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to get tested quickly and comfortably. You can order this test directly yourself without a doctor.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your doctor should review your results with you, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand what your results mean for your brain and heart risk.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes shipping the kit to you and back to the lab, but some draw sites may charge a fee for sample collection. Knowing your genetic risk for memory loss or heart disease can help you and your doctor make faster, more targeted decisions about prevention.
How often should I retest?
Since your genes do not change, this test only needs to be done once in your lifetime. Retesting is only needed if there is a question about the original result or if new genetic markers become available in the future.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing to identify APOE gene types, with a specificity and sensitivity of over 99%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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