Alzheimer's, APOE4 gene and HRT - testing for the APOE4 gene

[SarahBa]

In the news today (14 January 2023) they talk about the possible reduction in Alzheimer's from taking HRT.

I cannot take HRT (and have no desire to) due to my ovarian (sub-type endometrioid) cancer and endometrial cancer both being oestrogen receptor positive. However, what I found interesting to read bearing in mind almost two in three people with Alzheimer's are female that about a quarter of women in the UK carry a gene called APOE4 which is the strongest risk factor gene for the disease. (According to the Guardian newspaper.)

I know everybody is different but personally I would wish to know if I carried the APOE4 gene so that I could do as much as possible to prevent Alzheimer's. I should add they do say inheriting the APOE4 gene does not mean you will definitely develop the condition but it is a risk factor.

I'd be interested to know if it is possible to be tested to see if you carry the APOE4 gene?

[Katmal-UK]

Hi. I would imagine it is possible but that counselling would be needed first. Probably worth a discussion with your GP in the first instance especially if there is family history. X

[Notage]

Really interesting article. I'd tried to discuss similar with my first consultant to help decide on the surgery options. Will the particular type of surgery reduce some risks now but increase other health risks for me so shorten my life in other ways or decrease quality of life. Could surgery be adjusted to help mitigate those later risks whilst achieving thr outcomes needed now ie leave an ovary for hormones. Sadly the surgeon was not interested whatsoever in these discussions just the immediate surgery. I found one that was ;-). 23 and me or other genetic testing services test for the APOE gene, hence knowing some of my 'potential' risk factors. It may not change surgery for some but I think worth considering when making surgery choices.x

[delia2]

Hi SarahBa. It’s easy to find this out from 23 andMe. Just order the kit online. Xx

[Jennifer-Lee]

Thank you. Just read the article. I am 75. Was advised by a consultant at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson hospital many years ago not to have HRT because I had had a retinal eye thrombosis and that at that time they did not know enough about HRT and it's implications on thrombosis. Consequently I never had HRT.

Dread the thought of getting Alzheimer's. My mother died at 73 of a stroke, my father died at the age of around 69 of a heart attack. They did not live long enough to get dementia. My mum was always as sharp and as bright as a button. Worked into her late 60s. Always took an interest in life.

I was part of a study group last year for dementia and so far have not got it.

So far not got it.... don't drink alcohol or smoke. Try to exercise regularly. Had a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy in September 22. Had no follow up, not sure if that is good or bad.

I know my memory is not as sharp as it was, but then I was always a bit forgetful. My nickname at school was "dilly daydream". Later found out that I am dyslexic.

Terrified of getting dementia. Yes, so the article has got me thinking.........

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hello SarahBa

The Alzheimer's Society have useful information on their website about genetic testing kits here: alzheimers.org.uk/about-dem...

They also have a supportline you could contact to discuss your queries in more detail, their contact details are here: alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/...

I hope this is helpful.

Best wishes

Anna

Ovacome Support