AD Genetic Risk

Health After 50

Factors That May Reduce the Impact of Genetic Risk in Alzheimer's

Individuals with the APOE ε4 gene are at 2.5 times greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, but partaking in certain psychosocial and health behaviors that enhance cognitive reserve may offer some protection, according to findings from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study.

All study participants had the APOE ε4 gene but were free from cognitive impairment when the investigation began. They ranged in age from 69 to 80 years old; 341 were white, 329 were black. Investigators periodically queried participants about lifestyle and psychosocial factors and assessed cognitive function during the 11-year study./.../