What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Alzheimer's Disease Risk: 10/10 evidence, 27 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Significantly Higher Alzheimer's and Cholesterol Risk
Carriage of two A alleles is associated with an increased risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease and higher LDL cholesterol levels. This genotype is also linked to accelerated volume loss in the brain's memory center over time.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease; Higher circulating LDL cholesterol levels; Potential for faster age-related memory decline.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Moderately Higher Alzheimer's and Cholesterol Risk
Presence of one A allele is associated with a moderate increase in the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease and slightly higher LDL cholesterol. This genotype represents an intermediate risk profile between the protective and high-risk variations.
What this genotype means: Moderately increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's; Slightly elevated LDL cholesterol; Intermediate rate of hippocampal volume loss.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Alzheimer's and Cholesterol Risk
Possession of two G alleles is associated with a typical, baseline risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease and lower LDL cholesterol levels. This genotype is generally considered protective compared to carrying the A risk allele.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline risk of late-onset Alzheimer's; Favorable LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels; Better preservation of brain memory centers during aging.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The NECTIN2 gene, also known as PVRL2, encodes a cell adhesion molecule that helps glue cells together to form physical barriers [1]. It is highly expressed in the brain and blood vessels, playing a key role in maintaining the blood-brain barrier and regulating immune responses [1]. Emerging research suggests NECTIN2 is involved in how the brain defends itself against viral and bacterial infections [1]. Because of its close physical proximity to the APOE gene on chromosome 19, NECTIN2 is a major locus of interest in neurodegenerative research [2].
Variant Impact: The rs6859 variant is located in the 3' untranslated region of the NECTIN2 gene, a region that controls how much protein the gene produces. The A allele of this variant is a well-documented risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease [1]. This genetic change is associated with accelerated shrinking of the hippocampus, the brain's primary memory center [3]. It also influences circulating lipid levels, including LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B [4]. Studies suggest that the variant's impact on brain health may be partly mediated by its role in immune vulnerability and response to common infections [1].
Key Insight: While the rs6859 A allele increases Alzheimer's risk, research suggests that common vaccinations, such as the shingles or pneumonia vaccines, may offer stronger protective benefits against dementia for people carrying this variant.
Location: NECTIN2. Chromosome 19 · 19q13.32 · 44.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 17.5%; European 18.1%; African 19.9%; East Asian 10.3%; South Asian 9.6%; Americas 9.5%; Ashkenazi 16.0%; Finnish 23.7%; Middle Eastern 9.4%; Amish 22.1%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 48.0%; European 48.9%; African 49.4%; East Asian 43.6%; South Asian 42.8%; Americas 42.6%; Ashkenazi 48.0%; Finnish 50.0%; Middle Eastern 42.5%; Amish 49.8%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 34.5%; European 33.1%; African 30.7%; East Asian 46.1%; South Asian 47.6%; Americas 47.9%; Ashkenazi 36.0%; Finnish 26.3%; Middle Eastern 48.1%; Amish 28.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Neurology & Mental Health
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 30617256. ~1.45x Higher Risk.
Memory, Learning & Attention
Memory Performance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 37984853. Faster Decline Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Elevated Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Lower.
Immunity & Inflammation
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Slightly Lower.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 30617256. Moderately Higher Risk.
Memory Performance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 37984853. Intermediate Decline.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Elevated.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Typical Levels.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 30617256. Typical Risk.
Memory Performance. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 37984853. Typical Performance.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 36376304. Slightly Higher.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Carriage of two A alleles is linked to a significantly higher risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease, with studies showing an odds ratio of approximately 1.45 per A allele [1]. This genetic variation is associated with a faster rate of hippocampal atrophy, which is the physical shrinking of the brain's primary memory hub [2]. Research indicates that this effect may be driven by increased vulnerability to common viral and bacterial infections, which can trigger neuroinflammation [3]. Additionally, this genotype is associated with unfavorable lipid profiles, including elevated LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B [4]. Interestingly, carriers of this risk genotype may experience a more pronounced reduction in dementia risk from routine vaccinations, such as the shingles or pneumonia vaccines, compared to non-carriers [3]. Managing cardiovascular health and staying up to date on immunizations are key areas of focus for individuals with this profile.
Increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease; Higher circulating LDL cholesterol levels; Potential for faster age-related memory decline.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
Presence of one A allele is associated with a moderate increase in the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease compared to carrying none [1]. This intermediate genetic profile is linked to a gradual increase in LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels, which are key markers of cardiovascular health [2]. Brain imaging studies suggest that having one A allele is associated with a mild increase in hippocampal volume loss over time compared to the G/G genotype [3]. The NECTIN2 gene's role in cell adhesion and immune response means that this variant may influence how the brain responds to inflammatory triggers like infections [4]. While the risk is lower than in those with two copies of the A allele, maintaining a brain-healthy lifestyle remains highly beneficial. This includes regular physical exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and staying current with recommended vaccinations [4].
Moderately increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's; Slightly elevated LDL cholesterol; Intermediate rate of hippocampal volume loss.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Possession of two G alleles is associated with the lowest risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease at this locus, as it lacks the high-risk A allele [1]. Individuals with this profile tend to maintain healthier circulating lipid levels, including lower LDL cholesterol and lower apolipoprotein B [2]. Brain imaging studies show that carrying two G alleles is associated with better preservation of hippocampal volume, the brain's memory center, during aging [3]. Although this genotype is protective against Alzheimer's and high cholesterol, it is associated with slightly higher levels of C-reactive protein, a general marker of systemic inflammation [4]. This minor trade-off does not outweigh the significant cardiovascular and cognitive benefits of the G/G profile. Maintaining standard healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, helps support this naturally favorable genetic baseline.
Typical baseline risk of late-onset Alzheimer's; Favorable LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels; Better preservation of brain memory centers during aging.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs6857 · NECTIN2 Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer's Risk
rs7254892 · NECTIN2 Gene · Chr 19 · Cholesterol and Brain Health
rs41289512 · NECTIN2 Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer's and Cholesterol
Vaccination Against Pneumonia May Provide Genotype-Specific Protection Against Alzheimer's Disease.
Genetics of 35 blood and urine biomarkers in the UK Biobank.
Similar Genetic Architecture of Alzheimer's Disease and Differential APOE Effect Between Sexes.
Pleiotropic genetic architecture and novel loci for C-reactive protein levels.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com