What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Alzheimer's Risk: 8/10 evidence, 7 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): G/G
Higher Risk of Cognitive Decline
Carrying two copies of the G allele is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. However, this genetic profile also correlates with naturally lower levels of circulating cholesterol and inflammatory markers.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of Alzheimer's disease; Lower circulating cholesterol levels; Slightly lower physical grip strength.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline
Carrying two copies of the A allele is linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. However, this profile is also associated with higher levels of circulating cholesterol and inflammatory markers.
What this genotype means: Reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease; Higher circulating cholesterol levels; Slightly higher physical grip strength.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Typical Risk of Cognitive Decline
Carrying one copy of each allele results in a balanced genetic profile with typical risks for both cognitive decline and elevated cholesterol. Most physiological markers remain near the population average.
What this genotype means: Typical risk of Alzheimer's disease; Average circulating cholesterol levels; Standard physical grip strength.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The APOE gene provides instructions for producing apolipoprotein E, a crucial protein involved in packaging and transporting fats and cholesterol throughout the body [1]. In the bloodstream, it helps clear excess cholesterol by delivering it to the liver for processing [1]. Within the central nervous system, apolipoprotein E plays a vital role in maintaining brain cell membranes and facilitating synaptic repair [2]. It is also heavily involved in the clearance of beta-amyloid plaques, which are hallmark protein aggregates in neurodegenerative conditions [2]. Variations in this gene are among the most significant genetic determinants of late-life cognitive health and cardiovascular function [3].
Variant Impact: Located in an intronic region of the APOE gene, rs769450 is a common genetic variation that influences how the gene is expressed and regulated. This single nucleotide polymorphism does not directly alter the amino acid sequence of the apolipoprotein E protein itself. Instead, it is in strong genetic linkage with other functional variants that dictate apolipoprotein E levels and isoform patterns [2]. Studies show that the G allele is robustly associated with an increased susceptibility to late-onset cognitive decline [4]. Conversely, the A allele correlates with elevated circulating levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and inflammatory markers [5].
Key Insight: This variant presents a biological trade-off where the allele that lowers the risk of late-life cognitive decline actually increases circulating cholesterol levels.
Location: APOE. Chromosome 19 · 19q13.32 · 44.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 37.5%; European 35.0%; African 38.6%; East Asian 62.6%; South Asian 41.8%; Americas 45.8%; Ashkenazi 33.0%; Finnish 25.8%; Middle Eastern 39.6%; Amish 20.5%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 47.0%; European 48.3%; African 47.1%; East Asian 33.0%; South Asian 45.7%; Americas 43.8%; Ashkenazi 48.9%; Finnish 50.0%; Middle Eastern 46.7%; Amish 49.6%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 15.5%; European 16.7%; African 14.4%; East Asian 4.4%; South Asian 12.5%; Americas 10.5%; Ashkenazi 18.1%; Finnish 24.2%; Middle Eastern 13.7%; Amish 29.9%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Neurology & Mental Health
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30636644. ~1.6x Risk.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Lower Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Lower Levels.
Immunity & Inflammation
Inflammatory & Circulating Protein Markers
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Lower Levels.
Lifestyle, Fitness & Aging
Muscle Strength & Power
Grip Strength. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40374629. Lower Strength.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30636644. Lower Risk.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Higher Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Higher Levels.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Higher Levels.
Grip Strength. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40374629. Higher Strength.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30636644. Typical Risk.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
C-Reactive Protein. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
Grip Strength. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 40374629. Typical Strength.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the G allele significantly elevates the statistical risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease [1]. This genetic predisposition is also linked to faster rates of age-related memory decline [2]. On a physiological level, the G allele is associated with lower circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol [3]. It also correlates with lower levels of C-reactive protein, a key marker of systemic inflammation [3]. Despite these favorable cardiovascular biomarkers, the elevated risk of cognitive decline remains the primary health impact of this genotype [1]. Physical measurements also show a slight association with lower grip strength in older age [4].
Increased risk of Alzheimer's disease; Lower circulating cholesterol levels; Slightly lower physical grip strength.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Possessing two copies of the A allele provides a protective effect against late-onset Alzheimer's disease [1]. This genotype is associated with better preservation of memory performance during the aging process [2]. Conversely, the A allele is robustly linked to elevated levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [3]. It also correlates with higher circulating levels of apolipoprotein B and C-reactive protein, which are key cardiovascular risk factors [3]. Older adults with this genotype tend to maintain slightly higher physical grip strength [4]. The primary benefit of this genetic profile is the reduced susceptibility to neurodegenerative conditions [1].
Reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease; Higher circulating cholesterol levels; Slightly higher physical grip strength.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
Having a heterozygous genotype means carrying one G allele and one A allele, which generally results in intermediate physiological traits. The risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease is close to the baseline population average [1]. Memory performance in older age typically follows a standard trajectory without accelerated decline [2]. Circulating levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein B are generally average [3]. Systemic inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein also tend to remain within normal ranges [3]. This balanced profile avoids the heightened cognitive risks of the G/G genotype and the elevated lipid levels of the A/A genotype [1] [3]. Overall physical markers, including grip strength, show typical age-related patterns [4]. It represents a common genetic baseline that does not strongly skew toward either extreme.
Typical risk of Alzheimer's disease; Average circulating cholesterol levels; Standard physical grip strength.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs429358 · APOE Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer's Disease Risk
rs7412 · APOE Gene · Chr 19 · Cholesterol and Heart Risk
rs769449 · APOE Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Genome-wide analysis of genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease and related sex disparities.
Identification of 16 novel Alzheimer's disease loci using multi-ancestry meta-analyses.
Genetics of 35 blood and urine biomarkers in the UK Biobank.
Sex-specific genetic architecture of late-life memory performance.
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