Question

We can identify whether or not a person has the E4 variant of the APOE gene, which is a risk factor for the development of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Would you be interested in knowing whether your had this allele or not?

A. Yes

B. No

C. Not Sure

Please answer in 200 words or less

Answer 1

I will be interested in knowing whether I had this allele i.e. the E4 variant of the APOE gene or not because this gene increases an individual's chances of developing late-onset Alzheimer disease. People who inherit one copy of the APOE e4 allele have a high chance of developing the disease, but those who inherit two copies of the allele are at a much greater risk. Thus if people know their genetic makeup they can plan for their future and improve the quality of life in their old age.