What is an APOE Genetic Test?

APOE (apo-lipo-protein E) gene is associated with inheriting an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, dementia and cardiovascular diseases. Alzheimer's is the third largest cause of death in America, after cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Everyone has two copies of APOE genes (one from each parent) as E2, E3, and E4. The E4 version is associated with degenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's. It has also been shown to increase chances of atherosclerosis, a plaque responsible for artery blockage. The E2 version has been shown to increase the risk of certain rare cardiovascular diseases.

The APOE Test is an at-home genetic test that checks for APOE genotype. The test uses a saliva swab for sample collection.

Why Check for APOE genes?

Depending on the gene pair, your risk of developing Alzheimer's can vary significantly. The charts below show the frequency at which Alzheimer's is observed and the age at which it starts strongly depend on how may copies of APOE4 genes one is carrying.

The APOE gene is a major genetic risk factor for early stage neuro-de-generative disease. Studies show that people carrying the E4 allele pair have a higher prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (at 91%) and much lower mean age of onset (at 68 years of age). In contrast, for those carrying E2 pair, the rate is approximately 20% and mean age at onset around 84 years.

Read our detailed reports on:

• APoE Gene: Correlation to Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and CVD

• Live Long and Prosper: Longevity, Alzheimer’s, and Role of APoE

• How CRP Affects the Heart: CRP, Inflammation, and Risk of Heart Disease

How to check the risk of Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease at home?

You can order an easy, low-cost genetic test to assess your risk of cognitive decline without going to a doctor or lab: (1) Order a test kit online; (2) collect saliva  with few swabs; (3) send the sample to our CLIA-certified labs; and (4) find out your risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in few days.

Want to learn more?

Our thoroughly researched articles are easy to read and review latest research in the field. Go deeper with data-driven information on some of the most common tests and up-to-date research. You can read them anytime from the menu at the top.

Stay on top for the latest news and research by following the Alzheimer's Association. Learn more about APOE at the NIH Genetics Home Reference.

Q: Can I purchase the test across US?

A: Except New York and New Jersey our tests are available in all 48 states. State regulations in NY, NJ, do not allow us to ship the tests to their residents.

Q: What does the kit contain and how do I use it?

A: The kit for our APOE Genetic Test contains: (1) few saliva swabs, (2) instructions on how to collect the sample, and (3) a form requesting basic information including date and time of collection. The directions are straight forward and easy to follow.

Q: How long does it take to receive the results?

A: You will receive the kit within 3-5 business days with a prepaid return envelope. After you ship the sample and it is received by our lab, you receive the results within 5-7 business days.

Q: How do you handle my samples and data?

A: Your samples are kept by the lab for two weeks and the extracted DNA is kept for 3 months. The samples are disposed off in biohazardous waste that is picked up by a certified waste management company that specializes in medical waste disposal and follows strict regulatory guidelines.

Regarding your data: we are required to maintain the data for a minimum of 2 years. Your data is released only to those authorized by you. We also ensure that such information is maintained in the strictest confidence in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In certain cases, we may release information to a third party if such information is required for medical treatment or by federal or state law.

Q: What do I expect from the report?

A: The report with your test results will be easy to understand and will have all the necessary details. It will mark your genotype for Alzheimer's and Cardiovascular diseases. It will briefly discuss what the results mean.

Q: Can I use my insurance to pay for the test?

A: No. We do not have the capability to process the insurance claim. Insurance plans vary by individuals and may not pay for genetic testing. Please talk to your insurance provider if you have any further concerns.

Q: How reliable are my results?

A: We have partnered with CLIA-certified labs that are used by physicians across the US. These labs are regulated by the states, as well as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Majority of the tests from these labs are FDA approved to ensure they meet the proper regulatory requirements. Additionally, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) requires inter-laboratory tests to ensure the ranges established by each lab do not drift or are not out of acceptable ranges. This is done by regularly testing reference samples between different labs. Finally, the labs test thousands of sample for different age groups and health conditions, and have well established reference data to compare your results against this large pool.

Q: Can you recommend what therapy should I take if my levels are high or low?

A: Unfortunately, no. As a lab test provider we can only test and report out data from your samples. We are not authorized to provide any medical recommendations. But we strongly encourage you to discuss the results with your doctor for next steps.