People who inherit two copies of a gene variant called APOE4 have a 60% chance of developing Alzheimer's by age 85.

Only about 2% to 3% of people in the U.S. have this genetic profile, and most of them don't know it because they've never sought genetic testing.

But three scientists are among those who did get tested, and learned that they are in the high-risk group. Now, each is making an effort to protect not only their own brain, but the brains of others with the genotype known as APOE4-4.

June: from dismay to hope

A genetic test from 23andMe gave June the bad news in 2023.

"I just felt like the end of the world," says June, who asked to use only her first name out of fear that making her genetic status public could affect her job or health insurance.

June was 57 when she found out

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