Australian-born Chris Hemsworth is raising awareness as a result of the recent discovery of his genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s Disease. He did a genetic test for an episode of his National Geographic series, “Limitless” and found that he had two copies of the ApoE 4 gene. Having one or two copies of the ApoE 4 gene is the strongest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease; he has two copies, which is rare. His grandfather suffers from the disease. (Source)

DNA ConneXions® salutes Mr. Hemsworth’s bravery by sharing his story and raising awareness during Alzheimer’s disease month.

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that is expected to affect over 75 million individuals by 2030 and almost 2 billion by 2050.

Evidence-based scientific research has found a link between the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene found on chromosome 19 and Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals inherit two alleles for each gene, one from each parent, and the genetic combination determines your ApoE genotype – E2/E2, E2/E3, E2/E4, E3/E3, E3/E4, E4/E4.

Your ApoE genotype can also determine how well your body can eliminate mercury and other heavy metals.

The optimal genotype for removing mercury is ApoE 2/2, whereas ApoE 3/3 is the most prevalent in the human population, next is ApoE 3/4 and the most detrimental is ApoE 4/4. Individuals with ApoE 3/4 or 4/4 have a very difficult time detoxifying mercury or other heavy metals.

The ApoE4 genetic variant has been associated with:

• Brain atrophy
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Poor Immune Response
• Increased Cholesterol Levels

The DNA ConneXions® genotypic Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Test can help deter­mine an individual’s ability to detoxify mercury as well as their propensity to develop Alzheimer’s and other autoimmune and/or neurological conditions.

Don’t guess. Get the test.® Early detection can mean a better response to treatment.

This article was provided by our sister company, DNA ConneXions®.