I'm new with APOE4/4

[VickyT]

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking for a while since I found out my APOE4 status a few weeks ago from 23 & me, I have two copies. I wasn't expecting this, I did my 23 & me health DNA as I wondered if I could be predisposed to coeliac disease. Instead I saw that I had two copies of APOE4. The first article I read reported on the spanish research which claimed it was more a case of when not if, I would get AD. I was frightened and had very bleak thoughts that week. Since then, I have learned that the research wasn't without fault, and that lifestyle factors can play a part, and there's stuff I can do to reduce my risk.
I have a lot of work to do, my BMI is high, my BP is raised, I don't sleep well and I've had depression! I am 52 and have been trying to look after myself ever since I found this out. I haven't had an alcoholic drink since, and am slowly changing my diet. I have a long way to go. It's definitely had an impact on me, I do want to try to sort my health markers out, but it's also made me feel a little sad. I already felt somewhat behind in life, and now this is a scary thing on the horizon which doesn't help.
Sorry if this is a bit gloomy. I promise I am not always like this, just tired and feeling a bit sad today.
Thanks so much for this site. I am slowly making my way through it. I can't thank you enough, for providing me with this site to come to, knowing that others also are in the same or similar boat.
Vicky XX

[rdpchef]

Hi Vicki,

Welcome to the group! I'm so glad you’ve joined us. As an ApoE forum intern and fellow ApoE 4/4, I want you to know that I'm here to support you however I can. Thank you for your brave post sharing what you're going through right now. While each of us has a unique journey, I completely understand the emotions, questions, and uncertainty you might be feeling — many of us here have been through the same.

This forum is a wonderful place filled with information and support, and you’ll find that you are not alone. Your ApoE status doesn’t define who you are or who you will become. With time, you’ll be able to use your strengths, process the information, and take small steps towards a place of comfort and empowerment.

We’re all here to listen and help you along the way.

One of our forum moderators shared the post below

Apoe4 /4 a new genetic variant of Alzheimer’s ??

Please do not hesitate to post questions, even about the smallest thing.

rdpchef

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking for a while since I found out my APOE4 status a few weeks ago from 23 & me, I have two copies. I wasn't expecting this, I did my 23 & me health DNA as I wondered if I could be predisposed to coeliac disease. Instead I saw that I had two copies of APOE4. The first article I read reported on the spanish research which claimed it was more a case of when not if, I would get AD. I was frightened and had very bleak thoughts that week. Since then, I have learned that the research wasn't without fault, and that lifestyle factors can play a part, and there's stuff I can do to reduce my risk.
I have a lot of work to do, my BMI is high, my BP is raised, I don't sleep well and I've had depression! I am 52 and have been trying to look after myself ever since I found this out. I haven't had an alcoholic drink since, and am slowly changing my diet. I have a long way to go. It's definitely had an impact on me, I do want to try to sort my health markers out, but it's also made me feel a little sad. I already felt somewhat behind in life, and now this is a scary thing on the horizon which doesn't help.
Sorry if this is a bit gloomy. I promise I am not always like this, just tired and feeling a bit sad today.
Thanks so much for this site. I am slowly making my way through it. I can't thank you enough, for providing me with this site to come to, knowing that others also are in the same or similar boat.
Vicky XX

[VickyT]

Thanks, yes - I'm taking one day at a time when it comes to processing information. Having my cholesterol tested tomorrow.
Thanks

[rdpchef]

Thanks, yes - I'm taking one day at a time when it comes to processing information. Having my cholesterol tested tomorrow.
Thanks

HI Vicki,

It sounds like you are handling things well. I often tell myself, "it's a process, not a pill". Best of luck with your cholesterol check. If you have questions once you receive the results, there are several people on this forum who are well versed in lipids, so please ask if there are any questions.

Regards,

Patty

[VickyT]

Thanks for your supportive message Patty. I actually had a full blood count plus other tests and will get the results next week. It is helpful to know that someone may be able to help me with insight into my cholesterol results. I'm also monitoring my BP for 7 days and will give the GP the results. I've always been against taking tablets for things, but now given this APOE4 result - I am thinking that I may need to go on BP tablets until I lose weight and hopefully find other ways to reduce it, as it has recently got higher !

Thanks again, what a fantastic resource this is. x

[rdpchef]

Hi Vicki,
You might inquire here in the forum what others with high BP have done to decrease it. You may find some insightful information to help you, possibly even without taking meds? I'm not a doctor so I couldn't say for sure, but I, like you, try to find alternative ways in which to get healthy without taking medications. Sometimes it's not possible but you are on the right track.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Patty

[SusanJ]

I've always been against taking tablets for things, but now given this APOE4 result - I am thinking that I may need to go on BP tablets until I lose weight and hopefully find other ways to reduce it, as it has recently got higher !

High BP runs in my family. If you have done 23andme or other genetic testing, you might look for these snps:

SLC4A5 rs7571842 (A is risk) - salt sensitive hypertension.

AGT rs5051 (T is risk) - increased risk for hypertension and greater responsiveness to a low sodium diet.

If you have these snps, a low sodium diet will be very effective. One of my brothers, at his highest, was at 165/83, and although they ate a lot of from-scratch cooking, by ferreting out salt everywhere (catsup, mustard, any premade food), along with balancing his calcium, magnesium and potassium, he was able to reduce his BP to a point where the doctor was satisfied. I have the same genetics, and have watched my diet pretty carefully since 2013, supplement minerals and haven't had problems with BP (knock on wood!)

Even if you don't know your genetics, you might try looking carefully for food sources of salt and making sure your other mineral intakes (especially potassium) are in the daily range (use Cronometer or similar app to log your food).

[VickyT]

Thanks Susan, I checked those SNPs and rs7571842 - it said not genotyped, and rs5051 is CC - so it sounds as if that's okay. I wonder if my higher bp has been lifestyle, I need to lose some weight and eat better. Thanks so much for pointing me in this direction. I try not to add salt, but i guess there could be a lot in pre-made things. I shall be more vigilant! thanks

[VickyT]

Hi Vicki,
You might inquire here in the forum what others with high BP have done to decrease it. You may find some insightful information to help you, possibly even without taking meds? I'm not a doctor so I couldn't say for sure, but I, like you, try to find alternative ways in which to get healthy without taking medications. Sometimes it's not possible but you are on the right track.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Patty

Thanks Patty, that's helpful. Once I get my blood results, I shall put it together with my BP and see if anyone has any tips before I visit the GP again. thanks