In cardiovascular disease, increased binding of APOE4 to VLDLs leads to LDL receptor downregulation and increased LDL plasma levels (i.e., ‘bad cholesterol’ that can build up in the arteries)23; such an increase in LDL cholesterol is also a risk factor for dementia, which is thought to alter the deposition and/or clearance of Aβ, although the mechanism is not fully understood24. The gene discussed is APOE; the disease is cardiovascular disorder.