Gosh I hope not, that would be so ignorant. Genetics is not destiny. Genes only lay the framework but the VAST MAJORITY of ALL chronic illnesses occur come from how we influence our genes (epigenetics).hairyfairy wrote: I can see a near future where we have genetic apartied, & people with bad genes are treated in exactly the same way that black people were treated in South Africa a few years ago.
The ApoE4 gene has been pivotal to humans thriving literally since the dawn of man, it is actually good/protective under certain circumstances. We’re just the right gene at the wrong time. Only today’s modern times with its unhealthy western diet, sedentary lifestyle, stressful urban conditions, and sleep patterns that contradict circadian rhythms have been detrimental to the allele we carry. Such modern day habits are contrary to the conditions that our gene “grew up” with over millions of years. These conditions that aggravate our allele also aggravates the ApoE3 and ApoE2 alleles, we just respond sooner. But this is a blessing not a curse for us! As “canaries” we possess a certain urgency that the others do not and we have this website to connect with “enlightened” folks who understand we are not Alzheimer’s patients waiting to happen. We are here to do something! I'm glad I learned I'm an ApoE4/4. Rather than feeling that I’m a victim of my genes, I know there are things I can do and such knowledge is empowering. If I wasn't an ApoE4 I'd still have a laissez faire attitude and follow certain poor lifestyle practices. But I know there is an imperative and I can do something about it! I can follow a diet that maintains insulin sensitivity, lowers my inflammation, and keeps a low level of ketosis. I can make moving a priority. I can incorporate practices that keep stress at bay. And I can prioritize sleep. With these strategies I know I’m giving Alzheimer’s and all other chronic illnesses a difficult path to follow. I don’t have to lay in wait for a miracle pill.
What is great is through this website we possess the knowledge to exercise certain lifestyle practices to counter ignorant thought that ApoE4 = Alzheimer’s. If there is a group of folks we should shunt away and treat poorly, it's those who continue to treat their genes with horrible health practices and refuse to do anything about it, they're driving our health care costs through the roof.