The apolipoprotein E ε4 (
APOE4) gene increases the risk of AD and decreases the age of onset [
33,
34]. Routine testing for
APOE4 carrier status has been discouraged since no adjustments for prevention or treatment of AD could be based on this information. In anti-amyloid MAB trials,
APOE genotyping provides actionable information. Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities are associated with anti-amyloid MAB treatments, and ARIA are more frequent among
APOE4 carriers. Most ARIA events have no associated symptoms, but some have serious consequences and deaths have occurred. For example, in the trials of aducanumab, 43% of
APOE4 gene carriers and 20.3% of
APOE4 non-carriers developed ARIA with edema (ARIA-E). These changes were most frequent in
APOE4 homozygotes (66%) [
35]. Given the known additional risk for ARIA in
APOE4 carriers,
APOE genotyping is recommended prior to treatment to allow informed risk discussions with potential therapy candidates and their care partners [
36]. Apolipoprotein E genotyping provides information relevant to treatment with anti-amyloid MABs, and patients have expressed a desire to receive genetic information if the information informs practice [
37]. Apolipoprotein E genotyping has implications for the patient’s siblings and children since they may be gene carriers of familial genes and at increased risk for development of AD. Genetic counseling must be available before and after genotyping to avoid misunderstandings and assist in decision making [
38]. Genotyping is a new aspect of care for AD patients required for the informed use of anti-amyloid MABs.