Researchers have found evidence suggesting that lifestyle factors may play a pivotal role in mitigating the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, even among individuals carrying the ApoE4 gene variant
For decades, the ApoE4 gene variant has been identified as a significant risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. However, the latest research challenges the conventional understanding of genetic predisposition to this neurodegenerative condition.
The study reveals that having the ApoE4 gene does not necessarily mean individuals will develop Alzheimer’s.
Patrick Holford, Chair of the Expert Group on Alzheimer’s Prevention, underscores the nuanced understanding of genetic risk, stating, “Having this contributes 4 to 6% of the absolute risk for Alzheimer’s disease.” He clarifies, “This is often exaggerated as a risk factor because, if a person has the Apoe4 gene, and changes nothing, they have about a 20% greater chance of developing Alzheimer’s later in life than someone who doesn’t. This is called ‘relative risk’.” However, in absolute terms, the risk increment is minimal.
“Having this contributes 4 to 6% of the absolute risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”
The study, led by Dr. Juan Fortea of the University of Barcelona and colleagues, examined over 3,000 donated brains and analysed data from more than 10,000 individuals across three countries. Their findings challenge the traditional view of Alzheimer’s as solely a genetic disease by highlighting the impact of lifestyle choices on disease development.
The link between lifestyle and Alzheimer’s
Dr. Fortea’s team discovered that while individuals with two copies of the ApoE4 gene variant face a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s, lifestyle interventions such as dietary modifications and specific nutrient supplementation can potentially mitigate this risk. Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association highlights the significance of these findings, emphasising their potential implications for disease risk assessment, clinical trials, and treatment development.
The study suggests that the ApoE4 gene variant may not be the only determinant of Alzheimer’s risk. Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, intellectual engagement, and social interactions emerge as powerful predictors of cognitive health and resilience against neurodegeneration.
Lifestyle over genetic risk
In a comprehensive analysis involving over 29,000 participants in China, researchers found that adherence to a healthy lifestyle significantly reduced the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, irrespective of genetic predisposition.
The study shows the importance of dietary choices, highlighting the superiority of a healthy diet over exercise in predicting cognitive outcomes.
Holford links the ApoE4 gene variant to a weak light in the darkness of Alzheimer’s risk. He suggests that proactive lifestyle interventions serve as a potent source of illumination, diminishing the influence of genetic susceptibility.
“All major studies on people at risk of or already with dementia or Alzheimer’s have measured whether the study participants do or don’t have the ApoE4 variant. I’ve looked at these studies and they almost all show no difference in outcome if you do or don’t have the gene.”
