Definition: ApoE 4 is one of several variants of the ApoE gene. According to The Alzheimer's Action Plan, those who have the ApoE 4 gene are three to eight times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who do not carry ApoE 4. The level of risk partially depends on whether the person inherits one or two copies of the gene, which plays a role in how cholesterol is metabolized.
Also Known As: apolipoprotein E4
Alternate Spellings: Apo E 4, ApoE-4, ApoE4
