24 Mar Karolinska Institutet Study Finds APOE Genotype Influences Link Between Red Meat Consumption and Cognitive Decline

Jakob Norgren, Ph.D.

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet
Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research
Huddinge, Sweden

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: This study tested the hypothesis that people with APOE 3/4 and 4/4 would have a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia with higher meat intake, based on the fact that APOE4 is the evolutionarily oldest variant of the APOE gene and may have arisen during a period when our evolutionary ancestors ate a more animal-based diet.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response: Consistent with the hypothesis, those who ate more meat overall had significantly slower cognitive decline and a lower risk of dementia, but only if they had the APOE 3/4 or 4/4 gene variants.

MedicalResearch.com: For whom might APOE Genotyping be valuable?

Response: Genotyping is typically carried out in memory clinics as part of the diagnostic process. At this stage, we cannot recommend genetic testing in the general population. However, if our findings are supported by further research, it is conceivable that individuals who wish could be tested at a younger age and receive more targeted dietary guidance.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Health responses to diet may differ substantially between sub-groups of the population.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: Given that APOE 3/4 and 4/4 carriers account for the majority of Alzheimer’s cases, APOE-stratified analyses will be essential for dietary studies aiming to make a meaningful contribution to the field. This applies to both observational studies and clinical trials. Such an approach will either corroborate or challenge our findings. And it’s not just about meat—it’s about finding the right balance of food groups for different genotypes.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Response: I have no disclosures. My work is founded by Swedish Alzheimer Foundation, Swedish Dementia Foundation, and af Jochnick Foundation.

Citation: Norgren J, Carballo-Casla A, Grande G, et al. Meat Consumption and Cognitive Health by APOE Genotype. JAMA Netw Open. 2026;9(3):e266489. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.6489

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Last Updated on March 24, 2026 by Marie Benz MD FAAD