APOE: ε4 Variant (Part 1)

rs429358 · Neurodegeneration & Lipid Metabolism

APOE rs429358 is one of two SNPs that determine your APOE type — the strongest common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Combined with rs7412, it defines your ε2/ε3/ε4 status.

What This SNP Does

APOE (apolipoprotein E) transports cholesterol in the brain and plays a critical role in neural repair. The ε4 allele (determined by rs429358=C) is carried by ~25% of the population and increases Alzheimer's risk 3-15x depending on copy number. APOE ε4 also affects cardiovascular disease risk and cholesterol metabolism. Note: APOE typing requires BOTH rs429358 AND rs7412.

Genotype Meanings

Genotype	Status	What It Means
TT	Non-ε4	Not carrying the ε4 allele at this position. (Check rs7412 for full APOE type.)
CT	One ε4 copy	Heterozygous ε4. ~3x increased Alzheimer's risk. Earlier average onset.
CC	Two ε4 copies	Homozygous ε4. ~12-15x increased Alzheimer's risk. Significantly earlier average onset.

What You Can Do

APOE ε4 carriers benefit from cardiovascular protection (exercise, omega-3s, managing blood pressure), cognitive engagement, quality sleep, and Mediterranean-style diets. DHA supplementation may be particularly important. This is a risk factor, not a diagnosis — many ε4/ε4 carriers never develop Alzheimer's.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions based on genetic data. Genome Decoder does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.