Some People Are Naturally Less Likely to Get Alzheimer’s— Understanding the Protective Power of the APOE Gene

Written by Nguyenjessica 

Published on May 29 2025

Why do some people seem naturally protected from Alzheimer’s, even without doing anything special? The answer may lie in a key genetic factor: the APOE gene. This article explains how APOE affects your brain health, what it means 
 

if you carry certain types, how to find out your own APOE status, and—most importantly—what you can do to stay mentally sharp regardless of your genes.

Key Points

E4 boosts Alzheimer’s risk
The E4 type of the APOE gene raises your chance of dementia. E2 might protect you instead.

 

Gene effects can flip over time
E4 may help early in life but harms later. E2 works the opposite way.

 

Lifestyle beats genetics
Even with risky genes, things like exercise, eating well, and brain games can cut your risk a lot.

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Table of content

What Is the APOE Gene?

The 3 APOE Types—Which One Are You?

APOE and Brain Health: A Surprising Age-Flip Effect

Should You Get Tested for APOE?

Practical Ways to Protect Your Brain—With or Without the Gene

What Is the APOE Gene?

APOE stands for apolipoprotein E, a gene closely linked to late-onset Alzheimer’s.

 

There are three common types: E2, E3, and E4. Each person gets one from each parent, leading to combinations like E3/E3 or E2/E4.

 

Think of these types like a balance. Some tip you toward a higher risk of dementia, while others may help protect you.

The 3 APOE Types—Which One Are You?

🔵 E3: The Neutral Type

  • E3 is the most common APOE type—around 70–80% of people have it.
  • It doesn’t increase or decrease dementia risk. It’s the default setting for most.
  • In Han Chinese populations, about 75% carry E3.

 

🔴 E4: The Risky One

  • Having one E4 gene (like E3/E4) raises Alzheimer’s risk about 4 times.
  • Two E4s (E4/E4) push the risk up to 12–16 times.
  • Around 15–20% of people worldwide carry at least one E4.
  • Actor Chris Hemsworth (Thor) revealed he carries two E4s. Since then, he’s cut back on filming, focused on managing stress, and joined wellness documentaries.

 

🟢 E2: The Protective One

  • E2 offers some protection.
  • If you have one (E2/E3), your risk is slightly lower. With two (E2/E2), the protection is much stronger.
  • But it’s very rare—only 2%–3% of people have two E2s.
  • In one study of 2,000 Alzheimer’s patients, only about 10 had E2.

APOE and Brain Health: A Surprising Age-Flip Effect

Don’t jump to conclusions—E4 isn’t always bad, and E2 isn’t always good. It depends on your age.

 In young adults (ages 20–40)

People with E4 often do better on memory and reaction tests compared to those with E2 or E3. In early life, E4 might even be an advantage.

 

In later life (age 50 and up)

That’s when E4 becomes risky. The chance of developing dementia starts to rise sharply.

E2, meanwhile, begins to show its benefits. It helps slow brain aging and clears harmful beta-amyloid proteins more efficiently.

 

But E2 isn’t foolproof

If someone with E2 does develop dementia, the decline can happen faster.

Some studies also suggest E2 might be linked to a higher risk of brain bleeding—but this is still being researched.

Should You Get Tested for APOE?

Genetic testing isn’t for everyone. It’s worth considering only if:

  • You have a strong family history of Alzheimer’s
  • You’re very focused on brain health or prevention
  • You’re part of a research study or precision health program

How to get tested:

  • Through a hospital or neurology/genetics clinic
  • Using commercial DNA kits (available online)
  • Cost: usually between $70 and $300

The process:

  • Schedule an appointment or order a kit
  • Provide a sample (saliva or blood)
  • Wait for lab results (typically 2–4 weeks)

Be sure to use a trusted provider and take steps to safeguard your genetic data.

Practical Ways to Protect Your Brain—With or Without the Gene

Genes set the stage, but lifestyle writes the story.

Good news—up to 40% of dementia risk can be reduced with everyday habits.

 

Keep your brain active

Read newspapers, learn new languages, play strategy games, or do puzzles. It all helps your brain stay sharp.

 

Keep your body moving

Aim for at least 150 minutes a week. Brisk walks, dancing, swimming—whatever gets you going.

 

Eat smart

Go for a Mediterranean or MIND-style diet. Think leafy greens, berries, olive oil, and fish.

 

Watch your numbers

Work with your doctor to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. These numbers matter for your brain, too.

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