ALZEVIT Science in the service of your memory
Take part in creating the first national APOE registry in France. A simple home saliva test to advance Alzheimer's research.
Alzheimer's studied
across France
from the comfort of your home
Understanding APOE and the genetics of Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. For over 30 years, researchers have known that one gene plays a major role in the risk of developing this disease: APOE.
Yet in France, as elsewhere, population-level data are lacking. Our study aims to fill this gap by creating the first national APOE registry, accessible online, straightforward, and based on a saliva sample taken at home.
This registry will enable a better understanding of the distribution of APOE variants in the population, advance research, and pave the way for personalised prevention strategies.
The key gene
What is the APOE gene?
The APOE gene (apolipoprotein E) exists in three main forms, called alleles.
ε2 allele
Protective effectε3 allele
The most commonε4 allele
Risk factorEach person carries two copies of the gene (one inherited from each parent), giving rise to six possible combinations.
These variants influence the way the brain handles certain fats and proteins, notably amyloid-β protein, which is implicated in Alzheimer's disease.
The 6 possible combinations
Recent studies
APOE and Alzheimer's: what the science says
Recent studies show that APOE variants are the most significant genetic factors for late-onset Alzheimer's disease risk.
The majority of cases linked to the ε3 and ε4 alleles
A study of nearly 470,000 people shows that the ε4 allele significantly increases risk, especially in double copy. The ε3 allele, often considered "neutral", also contributes to risk compared with ε2.
The ε2 allele has a protective effect
Individuals carrying the ε2/ε2 combination are rare in the population, but have the lowest risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
APOE influences cerebral amyloid deposits
In the A4 study, the vast majority of amyloid deposit cases — a key marker of Alzheimer's disease — were attributable to the ε3 and ε4 alleles.
ε4/ε4 represents a distinct genetic form
Individuals homozygous for ε4/ε4 present a very high risk, an earlier age of onset, and a more typical progression. This suggests that this combination could be considered a specific genetic form of the disease.
Our mission
Why create a national APOE registry?
Despite the importance of APOE in Alzheimer's risk, major gaps remain. A national registry would help address them.
In France today
The national data are non-existent on the distribution of APOE variants in the population.
The clinical trials need to better identify at-risk individuals in order to progress.
The personalised prevention strategies require a better understanding of the population.
What the registry will enable
Advance research
Understand the distribution of APOE variants in the French population.
Identify earlier
Offer tailored follow-up or participation in prevention studies.
Prepare for precision medicine
Future treatments may target ε4/ε4, ε3/ε4 carriers differently, etc.
Understand the real impact
At the scale of an entire country — something that has never been done before.
Take part in advancing research
Your participation is invaluable. Join the 50,000 volunteers helping science to make progress against Alzheimer's disease.