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[quote=Anonymous]I would check to see which specific alleles of ApoE you have. Historically ApoE4 conferred some benefits as far as infection resistance goes, but now it seems it also can cause dementia.

I heard it on Dr Attia podcast a while ago and don’t remember which episode though.

Here’s what chatbot said about it.

I’m answering as a pretend geneticist and neurologist.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a protein involved in lipid metabolism, and its gene comes in several alleles, with ApoE3 being the most common, and ApoE2 and ApoE4 being less common. The ApoE4 allele is particularly significant due to its association with increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease.

Historically, it’s hypothesized that the ApoE4 allele might have conferred certain advantages, possibly including better nutrient absorption or an enhanced immune response, which could have been beneficial in environments where food scarcity and infectious diseases were prevalent. This allele’s prevalence suggests it might have had survival benefits in the past.

However, this allele is also associated with increased risks in the modern world. Most notably, individuals with one or two copies of the ApoE4 allele have a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, ApoE4 is linked to poorer outcomes in traumatic brain injury and higher risk of cerebrovascular diseases.

The trade-off theory in evolution suggests that a trait beneficial in early life (for survival and reproduction) might have adverse effects in later life. In the case of ApoE4, its potential historical benefits in younger years might be offset by its detrimental effects in older age, particularly in a modern context where lifespan is extended and environmental conditions have dramatically changed.

This highlights a crucial aspect of evolutionary biology: traits selected for past environments may not always align with health and longevity in modern contexts. The study of such genes provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between genetics, environment, and disease.
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