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Risk Assessment
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APOE Test

Detects the strongest genetic risk factor associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease

buccal swab kit
APOE results

APOE Test + Consultation

Our at-home cheek-swab test detects the presence of the APOE E4 gene, which could indicate a greater risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

The test includes a 20-minute follow-up consultation with a BrainHealth Educator to discuss your test results and how lifestyle changes may prevent or delay cognitive decline. 

We offer our APOE test FREE with your BrainHealth Membership.  APOE test is not available to NY residents. 

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What to Expect

Requires BrainHealth Membership

1
Receive your Test
Our easy at-home APOE cheek-swab test kit will be mailed to you within days.
2
Collect your sample
Swab the inside of your cheek to collect your sample following the included easy-to-use instructions.
3
Return Kit
Return your kit via the prepaid envelope on the same day you complete it. Results arrive in 5–7 days.
4
Schedule Appointment

Schedule a phone consultation with our BrainHealth Educator to discuss your test result and ways to reduce Alzheimer’s risks.

 
  • What This Test Measures
  • Why This Test Is Helpful
  • Who This Test Is For
  • What This Test Includes

What This Test Measures

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) test detects the presence of the APOE E4 allele, which is the strongest genetic risk factor associated with late-onset (after the age of 65) Alzheimer's disease.

Each person inherits two APOE alleles—one from each biological parent—and the combination determines their genotype.

Your results will show if you have:

  • one copy of the E4 variant, which indicates 3x risk for Alzheimer's 

  • two copies of the E4 variant, which indicates 8-12x risk for Alzheimer's 

 

Why This Test Is Helpful

  • Learning your Alzheimer’s risk factors allows you to be proactive about your brain health

  • Sharing results with family gives them power over their own genetic risks and means of prevention

  • Consulting with a BrainHealth Educator about your test result and prevention goals puts you in control

  • Participating in research allows engagement with medical experts and preferred access to clinical trials

Who This Test Is For

The APOE test is for anyone over the age of 18 who is curious about their genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. Those with particular risk factors might especially benefit from testing.

Curious about your brain health risk factors? Take our free risk assessment.

TAKE RISK ASSESSMENT

What the Test Includes

  • All materials for sample collection and FedEx return packaging 

  • Detailed instructions

  • Processing at our partnered CLIA Certified Clinical Laboratory

  • Digital and printable results to share with your family and healthcare provider

  • 20-minute consultation with a BrainHealth Educator to discuss your results and how to reduce your Alzheimer's risks

Why APOE Testing Is Now Recommended

Until recently, APOE genotyping was not regularly used or recommended by most neurologists, since there was no known way to prevent the effects of Alzheimer ’s disease. However, new research indicates that cognitive decline can be delayed or even prevented with proper nutrition, sleep, exercise, and rigorous intellectual activity. Moreover, development of Alzheimer’s therapies is rapidly advancing, and some clinical trials now require APOE results to qualify. 

Consider testing for ApoE ε4 status to inform the risk of developing ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities) when deciding to initiate treatment with LEQEMBI.

DNA with blue background

Review Your Results with a BrainHealth Educator

Each test includes a 20-minute consultation with a BrainHealth Educator to review your results. Our Educator can also help you identify lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, sleep, and exercise so you may improve your health and prevent cognitive decline. 

brain health consultation

Learn More About APOE

There are various risk factors for Alzheimer’s, but the role of genetics is becoming much more clear. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) test detects the presence of the APOE E4 gene, which is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset (after the age of 65) Alzheimer's disease.

There are three types of the APOE gene, called alleles: APOE E2, E3, and E4. Each person inherits two APOE alleles, one from each biological parent, and the combination determines their genotype. People with E2/E2 have the lowest overall risk for Alzheimer's and those with E4/E4 have the highest risk. The other combinations of APOE (E2/E3, E2/E4, E3/E3, and E3/E4) fall in between.

  • APOE E2 is the least common gene and may provide some protection against Alzheimer’s.

  • APOE E3 is the most common gene and is neutral, so doesn’t affect the risk of Alzheimer's.

  • APOE E4 is the risk-factor gene and increases the risk of Alzheimer's. It is also associated with getting the disease at an earlier age.* Approximately 25% of the general population carry one copy of the APOE E4 allele, while 2-3% carry two copies.

* Inheriting an APOE E4 allele does not mean that a person will definitely develop Alzheimer's. Some people with an APOE E4 allele never get the disease. Others who develop Alzheimer's do not have any APOE E4 alleles, suggesting that the APOE E4 gene affects risk but is not a cause.

Reference: Mayo Clinic

FAQs

What's in the test kit?

RT-PCR test to measure DNA for the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Genotype

Each kit contains:

  • 1 set of instructions

  • 1 small envelope

  • 1 plastic tube with a swab inside

  • 1 biohazard bag

  • 1 name label sticker

  • 1 FedEx Return Pak
What will my test tell me?

Once you’ve sent your sample back to the lab, we’ll provide your results within 5–6 days. Your results will tell you which variant of the APOE gene you have, and whether you are at increased risk of getting Alzheimer's or dementia in your lifetime. You'll then schedule a consultation with your BrainHealth Educator to review your results with you.

 
How do I use the swab?

Simply swab the inside of both cheeks. It's quick, shallow and painless. Be sure to ship your sample the same day you collect it. To ensure stability of the sample, we recommend you collect and ship samples Monday through Thursday only.
What guidance will I get along with my results?

You'll receive a Test Guide to learn more about your results, as well as a 20-minute follow-up consultation with a BrainHealth Educator to answer any questions and discuss potentially beneficial lifestyle changes.

We also encourage you to share your results with your physician, who can offer further guidance.
Are my results secure?

Our online portal delivers secure and confidential test results, with the highest certification standards for data security and privacy. Our platform is HIPAA-compliant, SOC 2 certified, PIPEDA-compliant, PCI-certified, and GDPR-compliant. Results will never be shared with third parties or outside sources without your consent.
Are the labs certified? Each lab we work with is CLIA-certified (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). This means they have to meet high standards to obtain both state and federal certifications and submit themselves to regular inspections.
Additional reading & information

Read in-depth information about APOE genotypes as they relate to dementia risk from the AGREEDementia advisory group. READ MORE

Understand how lifestyle changes can help with prevention. LEARN MORE
DID YOU KNOW?

23andMe Users Have APOE Results

If you use 23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service, you already have APOE results! In the 23andMe app, go to the Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease report for your results.

23andMe evaluates whether an individual has the APOE E4 variant, but does not include a genotype test, which specifies which variants a person has. Each variant has a different impact on Alzheimer’s disease risk. APOE2 is considered protective, APOE3 is neutral, and APOE4 is associated with increased risk. By knowing your complete APOE genotype, you can obtain a more precise and detailed assessment of your individual risk for developing AD. For more information about your Alzheimer's risks and the lifestyle changes that could decrease eventual neurodegenerative symptoms, schedule a consultation with one of our BrainHealth Educators. 

New members may upload existing 23andMe APOE results to the BrainHealth app, and will receive a credit for an additional three months of Membership in place of the APOE test.  

The laboratory services are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of NeuroVision Imaging, Inc. and contractors to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice including diagnosis and treatment will not be provided. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Both the physician and the testing laboratory are independent contractors with whom NeuroVision Imaging, Inc. makes arrangements for your blood tests. Neither NeuroVision Imaging, Inc. nor contractors will be liable for any acts or omissions of the physician, the testing laboratory, or their agents or employees.