Research
Mixed
The APOE2 allele is a protective factor for longevity, while the APOE4 allele is deleterious, with APOE being the only locus to consistently achieve genome-wide significance in GWAS of longevity.
The APOE2 gene variant is associated with a longer lifespan, while APOE4 is associated with a shorter one. While you cannot change your APOE status, understanding your genotype may inform your approach to cardiovascular and cognitive health management, as these are key pathways affected by APOE.
StrongSupportsVERY_HIGH confidence
Meta-analysis of the APOE2 and APOE4 SNPs showed significant associations of both SNPs with longevity, with E2 being protective of long life... and E4 being deleterious
Why this rating
Replicated across multiple large GWAS and meta-analyses (LLS, NECS, Rotterdam, etc.).
Source
Genetics of healthy aging and longevity
Angela Brooks‐Wilson · Human Genetics · 2013
DOI 10.1007/s00439-013-1342-z
narrative_reviewCited 380×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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