The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) protein combines with lipids in the body to form lipoproteins. Cholesterol and other fats are packaged and carried throughout the bloodstream by lipoproteins. Cholesterol is important, because it prevents disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels. The ApoE gene is located on chromosome 19. There are three different ApoE gene alleles, and they are e2, e3, and e4. Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a correlation with the ApoE e4 allele. This allele is the major genetic risk factor, and it can cause early memory loss. The e4 allele increases the number of amyloid plaques in the brain tissue of people with AD. If amyloid plaques continue to build up, it can kill neurons and lead to progressive signs of the
